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. You do
not want the system to inflate while someone is
working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the
service manual have information about servicing
your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a
service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 406.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds, after the ignition is
turned off and the battery is disconnected,
an airbag can still in ate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are
close to an airbag when it in ates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part
of the airbag system. 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.
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Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
If the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.Changes or modifications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This
is normal for any RKE 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”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 92.
•If you are still having trouble, see your dealer
or a qualified technician for service.
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S(Panic):If your vehicle has this feature, press
this button to turn on the hazard warning
flashers. The hazard warning lamps will flash for
about 28 seconds. Press this button again to
turn off the hazard warning lamps.
The lock, unlock, and panic buttons, on the
remote keyless entry transmitter, will not operate
while the key is in the ignition. The theft-deterrent
system will not activate while the key is in the
ignition.
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.
When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining
transmitters must also be matched. Once your
dealer has coded the new transmitter, the
lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle.
Each vehicle can have a maximum of four
transmitters matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in the remote
keyless entry transmitter should last about
two years.
The battery is weak if the LED light fails to
illuminate or if the transmitter will not work at the
normal operating range. If you have to get
close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it is probably time to change the battery.
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.
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To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry
transmitter, do the following:
1. Remove the screw from the back of the cover
and open the cover of the transmitter.
2. Pull the transmitter unit out of the cover and
open the cover of the transmitter unit.3. Remove the battery and replace it with the
new one. Make sure the positive side of the
battery faces up. Use one three-volt, CR1616,
or equivalent type battery.
4. Close the cover of the transmitter unit and put
the unit in the cover of the transmitter.
5. Assemble the transmitter cover and replace
the screw. Make sure the cover is on tightly,
so water will not get in.
6. Test the transmitter operation.
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Starting Your Engine
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.
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.
After the 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.3. If the engine still does not start, or starts but
then stops, it could be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the 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.
108
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.
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
side of the engine compartment, behind 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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Instrument Panel Overview........................ 136
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 140
Other Warning Devices............................. 140
Horn.......................................................... 140
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 141
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 141
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 142
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 142
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 143
Windshield Wipers..................................... 143
Windshield Washer.................................... 144
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
(Hatchback and Wagon Only)................ 145
Cruise Control........................................... 145
Exterior Lamps.......................................... 148
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 149
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 149
Fog Lamps................................................ 150
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 150
Dome Lamp.............................................. 151
Map Lamps............................................... 151
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver............... 152Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 152
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 153
Clock......................................................... 154
Climate Controls......................................... 155
Climate Control System............................. 155
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 159
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............. 159
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators........ 161
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 161
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 163
Trip Odometer........................................... 163
Tachometer............................................... 163
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 164
Safety Belt Reminder Tone....................... 164
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 164
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 165
Charging System Light.............................. 167
Brake System Warning Light..................... 168
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light........ 169
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light......................................... 170
Section 3 Instrument Panel
133
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver
This feature is designed to protect your vehicle’s
battery against drainage from the taillamps, license
plate lamps, instrument panel lights, and parking
lamps. When the ignition is turned off, the power to
these features will automatically turn off after
5 seconds once the driver’s door is closed.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
One accessory power outlet is located on the front
of the center console below the front ashtray. For
wagon models, there may be another outlet in the
rear luggage compartment on the driver’s side.
To use the outlet, remove the protective cap.
When not in use, always cover the outlet with the
protective cap. The accessory power outlet is
operational when the ignition is turned to ACC
or ON.Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery.
Always turn off electrical equipment when not
in use and do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum amperage rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be
compatible with the accessory power outlet and
could result in blown vehicle or adapter fuses.
If you experience a problem, see your dealer for
additional information on the accessory
power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to
your vehicle may damage it or keep other
components from working as they should.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not use equipment exceeding
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
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