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Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder
light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates,
retractors and anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety
belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have
it repaired. Keep safety belts clean and dry.
SeeCare of Safety Belts on page 447for more
information.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag
covers, and have them repaired or replaced. The
airbag system does not need regular maintenance.Notice:If you damage the covering for the
driver’s or the right front passenger’s airbag,
or the airbag covering on the driver’s and
right front passenger’s seatback, or the side
impact airbag covering on the ceiling near the
side windows, the bag may not work properly.
You may have to replace the airbag module
in the steering wheel, both the airbag module
and the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s airbag, the airbag module
and seatback for the driver’s and right front
passenger’s seat-mounted side impact airbags,
or side impact airbag module and ceiling
covering for the roof-mounted side impact
airbag. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings.
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Page 117 of 522

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the key to four different positions.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and
you can’t turn it, be sure you are using
the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it
is, then turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. Turn the key
only with your hand. Using a tool to force it
could break the key or the ignition switch.
If none of these works, then your vehicle needs
service.A (OFF):This is the only position in which you
can insert or remove the key. This position
locks the ignition, steering wheel and transmission.
It is a theft-deterrent feature.
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, but still turn the steering wheel.
C (ON):This position is for driving. When 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 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.
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Page 118 of 522

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)
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 you want power for
another 10 minutes, close all the doors and turn
the ignition key to ON and then back to OFF.
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Page 122 of 522

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.
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). See
Shifting Into Park (P) on page 129.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 331.
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