Ignition Positions
The ignition switch
can be turned to
four different
positions with
the key.
{CAUTION:
On manual transaxle vehicles, turning the
key to LOCK and removing it will lock the
steering column and result in a loss of
ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the
engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to ACC. Do not push the
key in while the vehicle is moving.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 all the
way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
LOCK:This position locks the steering wheel,
ignition, shift lever and transaxle. This is the only
position in which you can insert or remove the
key. If the steering wheel is locked, move it form
right to left and turn the key to ACC (Accessory).
ACC (Accessory):This position operates
some of the electrical accessories, such as
the radio, but not the climate control system.
ON:This is the position the switch returns after
you start the engine and release the key. The
switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But
even when the engine is not running, you can use
ON to operate the electrical accessories, and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
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START:This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The switch
returns to ON for normal driving. Do not turn the
key to START if the engine is running.
Even if the engine is not running, ACC and ON
allow you to operate electrical accessories,
such as the radio.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The 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 NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to
the floor 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 Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition 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 to START. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try.
When the engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven.
Do not run your engine at high speed
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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3. If the engine still will not start, or starts but
then stops, it could be flooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and holding
it there as you hold the key in START
for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same
thing, but this time keep the pedal down for
five or six seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
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.
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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. The cord is located on the driver’s
side of the engine compartment, near
the battery.
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.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, the
shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
Movement between certain positions requires
pushing the release button on the front of
the shifter.PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start
your 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
Transaxle) on page 118.
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Ensure that the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has
an automatic transaxle shift lock control system.
You have to apply your regular brakes before you
can shift from PARK (P) when the key is in ON.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P) while holding
the brake pedal down, seeShifting Out of Park (P)
on page 120.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
When shifting from NEUTRAL (N) to
REVERSE (R), you need to apply the regular
brake and push the release button on the front of
the shifter and then forward.
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.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice or sand without damaging your
transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 248.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart while
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your 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.
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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D4):This position is
for normal driving.
When operating your vehicle in severe cold
conditions, the transaxle may be prevented from
shifting into D4 gear until the transaxle fluid
has warmed up to it’s operational temperature.
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly or not shift gears when you go faster,
and you continue to drive your vehicle that
way, you could 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 AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D4) for higher speeds until then.
SECOND (2):This position gives you more
power but lower fuel economy. You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your
speed as you go down steep mountain roads,
but then you would also want to use your brakes
off and on.Notice:Do not drive in SECOND (2) at speeds
over 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage the
transaxle. Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D4) as
much as possible. Do not shift into SECOND (2)
unless you are going slower than 65 mph
(105 km/h) or you can damage your engine.
FIRST (1):This position gives you even more
power but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2).
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1),
the transaxle will not shift into first gear until
the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If
you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes, or parking
brake to hold the vehicle in place.
If there is a malfunction with the automatic
transaxle, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or
the HOLD indicator light will turn on or flash.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 180or
Hold Mode Light on page 180.
Have your vehicle fixed as soon as possible.
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Manual Transaxle Operation
Five-Speed
This is your shift pattern.
Here is how to operate your manual transaxle:
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift
into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going
less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a
complete stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1),put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the
clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down.
Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let
up on the accelerator pedal and shift into
SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5):Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5), the same
way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the
clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press
the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops,
press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and
shift to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or
idle your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down the
clutch pedal, lift up the ring on the shift lever and
shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
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