
PASS-Key®III Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with PASS-Key®III
(Personalized
Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent
system.
PASS-Key
®III is a passive theft-deterrent system.
This means nothing special needs to be done
to arm or disarm the system. It works when the key
is inserted or removed from the ignition.
PASS-Key III
®uses a transponder in the ignition
key that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that the
wrong key has been inserted into the ignition, it
shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems.The starter will not work and fuel will stop owing to
the engine. If someone tries to start the vehicle
again with the wrong key, the vehicle will not start.
Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start the
vehicle will be discouraged to do so because of the
high number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does
not start and the STARTING DISABLED warning
message on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) comes on, the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition
key. At this time, you may also want to check the
fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 450. If the engine still does not start with the
other key, the vehicle needs service. If the
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See
your dealer who can service the PASS-Key
®III
to have a new key made. In an emergency,
contact Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 484for more
information.
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It is possible for the PASS-Key®III decoder to
accept the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be
programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If all the programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, see your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III to have keys made and
programmed to the system.
To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped
on it.
2. Insert the master key in the ignition and start
the engine. If the engine will not start, see
your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to
RUN within ve seconds of removing the
original key.5. The SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning
message on the DIC will turn off, once the
key has been programmed. It may not
be apparent that the SERVICE THEFT
SYSTEM warning message went on due to
how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
If the SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning
message appears and stays on the DIC while the
vehicle is being driven, the engine will be able
to be restarted if it is turned off. Your
PASS-Key
®III system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer.
The vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key
®III
system at this time.
If the PASS-Key
®III key is lost or stolen, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
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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 constant speed,
fast or slow, for the rst 500 miles
(805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts.
Avoid downshifting to brake, or slow,
the vehicle.
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. See
Towing a Trailer on page 327for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned 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.
A (OFF):This is the only position in which the
ignition key can be inserted or removed. This
position locks the ignition and transaxle. It is a
theft-deterrent feature.
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B (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is
off. To use ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (RUN):This position is where the key returns
to after the vehicle is started. This position displays
some of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACCESSORY or RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start your
vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for
an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S
DOOR AJAR when the driver’s door is opened if
the ignition is in OFF, ACCESSORY and the key is
in the ignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 208for more information.Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s
door. Always remember to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. This will lock
your ignition and transaxle. Also, always remember
to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ignition while your vehicle is parked.
You may not be able to start your vehicle after it
has been parked for an extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
If the vehicle has Retained Accessory Power
(RAP), the power windows and radio will continue
to operate for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
key is turned to OFF unless a door is opened.
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Starting the Engine
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position — this 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.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go
down as your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transaxle gently
to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components. If
the ignition key is turned to the START position,
and then released when the engine begins
cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a
few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the
engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be
stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY or OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.
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Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an electronic shift lock release system. You must
fully apply the regular brakes before shifting
from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever by pushing it all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of Park (P) on page 120
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
To rock the vehicle back and forth in order to get
it out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 318.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine
is running at high speed is dangerous.
Unless your foot is rmly on the brake
pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while your engine is running
at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that
it is moving slowly or not shifting gears as
you increase speed may damage the transaxle.
Have your vehicle serviced right away. You
can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and DRIVE (D)
for higher speeds until then.
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Parking Brake
To set the parking
brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down
with your right foot.
Push down the parking
brake pedal with
your left foot.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with your right foot and push the
parking brake pedal with your left foot. While
you lift your left foot, the parking brake pedal will
follow it to the released position.A warning chime will sound and PARKING
BRAKE ON will display in the DIC if the parking
brake is set, the ignition is on, and the vehicle
speed is greater than 5 mph (8km/h). For more
information seeBrake System Warning Light
on page 186andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 208.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is
off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on any
hill, seeTowing a Trailer on page 327. That
section shows what to do rst to keep the trailer
from moving.
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