Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the key to four different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from its
cylinder could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in.
If it is and you have a manual transmission
vehicle, turn the steering wheel left and right
while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.A (OFF):This is the only position in which the
key can be inserted or removed. This position
locks the ignition and shifter on automatic
transmission vehicles, and the ignition and steering
wheel on manual transmission vehicles.
B (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers
when the engine is off. This position will allow you
to turn off the engine.
C (ON):This position is for driving. If your vehicle
has an automatic transmission and you turn off
the engine, the transmission will lock. If you need
to shift the transmission out of PARK (P), the
ignition key has to be in ACCESSORY or ON.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACCESSORY or ON 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.
117
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories on your vehicle may be
used for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key
is turned from ON to OFF:
Radio
Power Windows
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Sunroof
Power to these accessories stops after 10 minutes
or if a door is opened. If an additional 10 minutes
of power is needed, close all the doors and
turn the ignition key to ON and then back to OFF.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
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:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P)
only when your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in 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.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
your ignition key to START. Then, let go of
the key; the engine will start automatically.
The idle speed will go down as your engine
gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects the electrical
system. If the ignition key is turned to the
START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will
continue cranking until the vehicle starts or
until it exceeds the maximum cranking
time allowed, approximately 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage.
119
To prevent starter-motor gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. The engine cranking can
be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY or OFF position.
2. If your engine will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal
all the way to the oor and holding it there
as you turn the key to START. If the vehicle
starts brie y but then stops again, do the
same thing.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your dealer. If you do not, your engine might
not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder,
the engine coolant heater can help. You will get
easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in
a minimum of four hours prior to starting your
vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of
the coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle
may also have an internal thermostat in the
plug end of the cord. This will prevent operation of
the engine coolant heater when the temperature
is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord.
120
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. For the 2.8L V6 and the 3.6L V6
engines, the cord is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle in front of the fuse block. For the
6.0L V8 engine, the cord is located in
the engine compartment on the driver’s side
of the vehicle near the inner fender and above
the strut.
Remove the plastic cap to access the plug.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded
outlet could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts. If you do
not, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and
some other things. Instead of trying to list
everything here, we ask that you contact your
dealer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best
advice for that particular area.
121
Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the center console
between the front seats.
There are several
different positions for
the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start the
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set.
Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 130. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 328.
122