Page 146 of 299

NOTE:Due to the starter non-repeat feature, the key
must be turned completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20ÉF or -29ÉC)
For reliable starting in areas where temperatures fre-
quently drop below -20ÉF (-29ÉC), we recommend the use
of an externally powered battery and an electric engine
block heater. Advice on these items and installation is
available at your authorized dealer.
If Engine Fails to Start
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
mission or the rear of your vehicle. See Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump-starting procedures.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire, causing
serious personal injury.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
Normal Starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
146 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 193 of 299
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher.................194
mIf Your Engine Overheats................194
mTIREFIT Tire Repair And Jacking..........195
NTIREFIT............................195
NPreparations For Jacking................198
NJack Location And Instructions............200
mJump-Starting The Battery...............203
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces.............205NTraction............................205
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle.................206
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle...............206
NTowing Eyes.........................208
NTow-Away Alarm.....................210
mConvertible Top Emergency Operation......211
NRelieving Hydraulic Pressure.............212
NOpening a Locked Decklid...............217
6
Page 203 of 299

JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start any time the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
mission or the rear of your vehicle. If your vehicle
has a discharged (dead) battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow the procedure carefully.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't
lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the
clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or
on skin, flush contaminated area immediately with
large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas that is flammable
and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the
vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other
booster source with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 203
6
Page 204 of 299
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the transmission in Neutral and turn the ignition
OFF for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
jump-start attachment of the booster battery. Connect the
other end of the same cable to the positive jump-start
attachment of the discharged battery.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative jump-
start attachment of the booster battery and then to the
engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make
sure you have good contact on the engine.
204 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 205 of 299

6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fans.
NOTE:If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest autho-
rized dealer.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly
have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, rain, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 205
6
Page 292 of 299

Defroster, Windshield..................... 56
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 228
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 229
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 234
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 205
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 102
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........... 99
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 194
Jump Starting........................ 203
Overheating......................... 194
Towing............................. 206
Emergency Trunk Release................. 20
Emission Control System Maintenance....223,273
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 55
Checking Oil Level.................... 225
Compartment........................ 221
Oil .............................225,267Oil Change Interval................... 227
Oil Selection......................... 228
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 55
Exhaust System........................ 237
Exterior Lights......................... 259
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 229
Air Conditioning..................... 280
Engine Fuel......................... 229
Engine Oil.......................... 228
Fluid Capacities.....................265,267
Fluid Leaks............................ 57
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission.................. 245
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 268
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 194
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 206
Fuel................................. 186
Adding............................. 189
Additives........................... 188
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 189
Filter.............................. 229
292 INDEX
Page 293 of 299

Octane Rating........................ 186
Fuses................................ 253
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) .......... 105
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)................. 189
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 267
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 187
Gear Ratios........................... 265
General Information..................... 183
Glass Cleaning......................... 250
Glove Compartment..................... 76
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 194
Headlights
Aiming............................. 262
Cleaning............................ 249
Dimmer Switch....................... 89
Heater............................... 135
Hood Latch Maintenance................. 235
Hood Release.......................... 84
Hoses............................... 241Ignition
Key ................................. 9
Wiring System (Spark Plug Wires)......... 231
Illuminated Entry....................... 86
Infant Restraint......................... 48
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 77
Instrument Cluster...................... 113
Instrument Panel and Controls............. 112
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 250
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 250
Interior Appearance Care................. 249
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 200
Jack Operation......................... 195
Jump Starting......................... 203
Key-In Reminder........................ 10
Keyless Entry System..................... 14
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster........................... 30
INDEX 293
10
Page 296 of 299

Restraints, Child........................ 47
Restraints, Infant........................ 48
Restraints, Occupant..................... 23
Rotation, Tires......................... 185
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 56
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 56
Safety Tips............................. 55
Schedule, Maintenance................... 273
Seat Belts.............................. 23
And Pregnant Women.................. 29
Extender............................ 29
Inspection........................... 56
Maintenance......................... 250
Operating Instructions.................. 25
Reminder........................... 118
Seats................................. 79
Cleaning............................ 249
Service Assistance...................... 282
Service Contract........................ 284
Service Manuals........................ 286
Shift Speeds........................147,148
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 205Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 183
Snow Tires............................ 184
Soft Top............................... 62
Spark Plugs........................... 229
Specifications.......................... 265
Standing Lights......................... 87
Starting.............................. 145
Cold Weather........................ 146
Emergency (Jump Starting).............. 203
Engine Fails to Start................... 146
Steering
Linkage............................ 234
Power............................. 166
Storage.............................. 263
Storage Bin............................ 73
Stuck, Freeing......................... 206
Sulfur in Gasoline...................... 188
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 30
Telescoping Steering Column............... 92
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......... 195
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 19
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 19
296 INDEX