
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.
2. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads
“H”, pull over in a safe area as soon as possible and
stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air condi-
tioner turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H”,
and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
3. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
The Low Fuel Light will turn on when the fuel level
reaches approximately 2 to 4 gallons (7 to 15 liters)
this light will remain on until fuel is added.4. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Anti-Lock Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
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windshield or side glass starts to impair visibility, press
the front blower button and increase the fan speed to
maximum.
Recirculation Control
When the outside air contains smoke, odors,
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired
you may wish to recirculate interior air by
pressing the recirculation button. The recircu-
lation mode should only be used temporarily. The recir-
culate symbol will illuminate in the display when this
button is selected. Push the button a second time to allow
outside air into the vehicle.
NOTE:In cold weather, use of the recirculation mode
may lead to excessive window fogging. The recirculation
mode is not allowed in the Mix and Defrost modes to
improve window clearing operation. Recirculation will
be disabled automatically if these modes are selected.
A/C Recirculation Programming
The recirculation control is programmed to cancel the
recirculation mode when the ignition key is turned OFF
and will reset to the outside air mode when the ignition
key is turned “ON”. The frequent use of outside air will
help keep odors from building up within the air
conditioner-heater housing. It is recommended that the
recirculation mode be used as little as possible, especially
in humid climates.
For hot and dry climates, or people who are allergic to
pollen and find frequent use of the recirculation mode
necessary, the recirculation mode can be programmed to
not automatically reset to the outside mode by using the
following procedures:
•Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
•Press and hold the recirculation button.
256 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•While holding the recirculation button, turn the igni-
tion switch to the “RUN” position.
•Continue holding the recirculation button for 4 sec-
onds, then release.
The recirculation control is now programmed so that the
recirculation mode willnotreset to the outside air mode
when the engine is restarted. The recirculation program-
ming can be changed back by repeating this procedure.
Rear Blower Operation
To operate the rear fan, press theREARbutton. The first
time this button is pressed theREAR AUTOdisplay
will illuminate indicating that the rear fan speed is
automatically controlled. To manually control the rear
fan speed, press theREARbutton again and only
REARwill illuminate in the display. This allows the rear
seat occupants to control the rear fan speed using theswitch located in the center console between the second
row seats. By pressing theREARbutton a third time,
the rear fan will shut off.
When the ATC display readsREAR AUTOor when the
rear fan is off, the switch located in the center console
between the second row seats is not functional. When the
ATC display readsREAR, only the rear seat occupants
can control the rear fan speed from the rear switch. When
in the “REAR” mode, the rear occupants can set the rear
switch to any fan speed includingOFF,orAUTO.
While in theAUTOposition, the rear fan speed will be
automatically controlled.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 257
4

glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to section 7, Maintenance Procedures, of this manual for
proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
To insure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to section 7, Maintenance
Procedures, of this manual for proper coolant selection.
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequatesystem lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild rainy
or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the A/C
button to reduce the humidity inside the vehicle.
Fogging on the inside of the windshield can be quickly
removed by pressing the defrost button and increasing
the blower speed.
Do not use the Recirculation mode without the A/C
button for long periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Before driving, always make sure the air intake located
directly in front of the windshield is free of obstructions
such as leaves, ice, or snow, which could reduce airflow
and/or plug the water drain tube inside the plenum.
258 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral but do not increase engine idle speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
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