Page 11 of 467

mEmergency Deck Lid Release Latch
(Convertible)...........................42
mPower Windows........................43
NAuto Down Feature....................44
NRear Window Switches..................44
NWind Buffeting........................45
mOccupant Restraints (Sedan)................45
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................46
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....51
NLap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure.....52
NSeat Belt Pretensioners...................52
NEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................53
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............54NDriver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............54
NChild Restraint........................71
mOccupant Restraints (Convertible)............80
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................81
NLap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure.....86
NSeat Belt Pretensioners...................86
NEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................87
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............88
NDriver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............88
NChild Restraint.......................104
mEngine Break-In Recommendations..........112
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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Page 14 of 467

NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place the
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual TransaxleÐIf Equipped
Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the
key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK
position, and remove the key.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 38 of 467
Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed
without using the key. To open the liftgate, squeeze the
liftgate release touch pad located on the backside of the
liftgate handle and pull the liftgate open with one fluid
motion (if equipped).NOTE:In the event of a power malfunction, or the
remote transmitter is inoperative, insert the key into the
liftgate lock cylinder and turn to the right. Using the
liftgate handle, pull the liftgate open with one fluid
motion.
WARNING!
²Driving with the liftgate open can allow poison-
ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the liftgate closed when you are operating the
vehicle.
²If you are required to drive with the 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.
Liftgate Handle
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 39 of 467

Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera-
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.
DECK LID (CONVERTIBLE)
NOTE:The key that is used to start the vehicle is also
used to lock or unlock the doors and open the deck lid.
To open the deck lid, insert the key into the lock and turn
to the right. The deck lid can also be opened using the
remote keyless entry or by using the power deck lid
release switch located in the glove box.
WARNING!
²Driving with the deck lid open can allow poison-
ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the deck lid closed when you are operating the
vehicle.
²If you are required to drive with the deck lid
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.
Gas props support the deck lid in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera-
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the deck lid in cold weather.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
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Page 43 of 467
POWER WINDOWS
The power window switches are located on the instru-
ment panel above the radio. The top left switch controls
the left front window and the top right switch controls
the right front window.
The lower left switch controls the left rear passenger's
window and the lower right switch controls the right rear
passenger's window.
The sedan has a window lock switch, located between the
window switches allows you to disable the rear window
switches that are located at the back of the center floor
console.
The convertible has an9All windows up9and9All
windows down,9switch located between the window
switches instead of the lock switch.
Power Window Switches
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
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Page 45 of 467

Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (SEDAN)
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front
and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front
airbags for both the driver and front passenger and if
equipped, side airbags for both the driver and front
passenger. If you will be carrying children too small foradult-size seat belts, your seat belts or the LATCH feature
also, can be used to hold infant and child restraint
systems.
Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.
WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buck-
led up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or
other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the
vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
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Page 113 of 467

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 113
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CAUTION!
To fully insure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop with the gear
selector in the Park position (automatic transaxle) or
in the Neutral position (manual transaxle) before
lowering or raising the top.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the convertible top with ice or snow
build-up on the top. Damage to the top may occur.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to either the top or the rear win-
dow, check the top storage area at the rear of the
vehicle interior to be sure that it is clear of debris or
other items. Be sure that child seat flip up bars are
lowered. Do not use the top storage area for other
storage purposes.
NOTE:When closing the convertible top all windows
will drop slightly from the full up position.
1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
2. Release the top from the windshield header by pulling
down on the latch handle and turning the latch handle
clockwise until it stops.
120 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE