
When the PASS-Key®III system senses that
someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the
vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will
not work and fuel will stop being delivered to the
engine. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to
start the vehicle will be discouraged because of the
high number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security
message 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
instrument panel PASS KEY fuse. If the engine
still does not start with the other key, your vehicle
needs service. If your vehicle does start, the
rst key may be faulty. See your dealer or
a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key
®III to
have a new key made. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 527.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to
learn the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be
programmed for the vehicle. This procedure is for
learning additional keys only. If all the currently
programmed keys are lost or do not operate, youmust see your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III to have keys made
and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III to get a new key blank that is
cut exactly as the ignition key that operates the
system.
To program the new key, do the following:
1. Verify the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed
key into the ignition lock cylinder 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
LOCK and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to
RUN within 10 seconds of removing the
previous key.
5. The security message will turn off once the
key has been programmed. It may not be
apparent that the security message went on
due to how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
149

Ignition Positions
The key can be turned to one of four positions
while in the ignition switch.
A (LOCK):This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. This position locks
your ignition and transaxle.
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 thekey only with your hand. Make sure the key is
all the way in. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This is the position in which
you can operate the electrical accessories, such as
the radio.
C (RUN):This is the position to which the switch
returns after the engine is started and the
ignition key is released. This is the position for
driving. Even while the engine is not running, RUN
can be used to operate your electrical accessories
and to display some instrument panel warning
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. When
the engine starts, release the ignition key. The
switch will return to RUN for driving.
151

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)
With RAP, your power windows and the audio
system will continue to work for up to 10 minutes
after the engine is turned off or until either
door is opened. If a door is opened, the power
windows and audio system will shut off.
Starting the Engine
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:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift
into PARK (P) only when your vehicle is
stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
your ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will
go down as your engine warms up. Do
not race the engine immediately after starting
it. Operate the engine and transaxle gently
until the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
152

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. 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 LOCK position.
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 the engine does not start in 10 seconds,
push the accelerator pedal about one-quarter
of the way down while you turn the key to
START. Do this until the engine starts.
As soon as it does, let go of the key.
3. If your engine still 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 hold the key in START for
a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine
still will not start, or starts brie y but then
stops again, repeat Step 1 or 2, depending on
the temperature. When the engine starts,
release the key and the accelerator pedal.
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.
153

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Maximum engine speed is limited when you are in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for your
shift lever.
PARK (P):This gear position locks your front
wheels. It is the best position to use when you start
your engine because your vehicle cannot move
easily.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You
must fully apply your regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button before you can
shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is
in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),ease pressure on the shift lever and psh the shift
lever all the way info PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the shift lever button
and move the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 161.
{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 160.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 412.
155

Parking Brake
The parking brake is
located under the
instrument panel on the
driver’s side of the
vehicle.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push down on
the parking brake pedal with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 238.To release the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with your right foot while
you push down on the parking brake pedal with
your left foot. When you lift your left foot from the
parking brake pedal, it will pop up to the
released position.
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 are parking on any
hill, seeTowing a Trailer on page 412.
159