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 Warning 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 light is not lit during starting, see you
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized 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.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2
Multi-Function Lever
The multi-function lever controls the operation of the
turn signals, headlight beam selection, and passing
lights. The lever is located on the left side of the steering
column.
Turn Signals
Move the Multi-Function Lever up or down and the
corresponding turn signal indicator in the instrument
cluster flashes to show proper operation of the front and
rear turn signal lights. You can also signal a lane changeby moving the lever partially up or down without
moving beyond the detent. Releasing the lever at the
detent will provide 3 flashes.
If either light has a very fast flash rate, check for a
defective outside light bulb. If an indicator fails to light
when the lever is moved, it would suggest that the fuse
or indicator is defective or there may be a circuit failure.
NOTE:A “Turn Signal On” message will appear in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if
equipped and a continuous chime will sound if the
vehicle is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either
turn signal on.
Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch
Push the Multi-Function Lever away from you to switch
the headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the Lever towards
you to switch the headlights back to LOW beam.
Flash to Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the Multi-Function Lever toward you.
This will cause the headlights to turn on at high beam
and remain on until the lever is released.
Multi-Function Lever
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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.
9. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal
on.
NOTE:Check for a defective outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate. (See page 98 for more
information.)
10. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for 6 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on
during starting, or stays on, or turns on
while driving, then have the system inspected at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. (See page 49 for
more information.)
11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condi-
tion. When this light turns on, the engine tem-
perature is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned
off immediately and serviced as soon as possible. (See
page 272 for more information.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 131
4
WARNING!
•The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
•Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous man-
ner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
Anti-Lock Brake Light
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come 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 comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
216 STARTING AND OPERATING
Bulb Replacement..................... 330
Courtesy/Reading..................99,108
Cruise............................. 129
Daytime Running...................... 97
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 98
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) Indicator....................221,223
Electronic Throttle Control Warning....... 130
Engine Temperature Warning............ 131
Fog .............................97,133
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 272
Headlight Switch...................... 95
Headlights........................... 95
Headlights On With Wipers...........96,102
High Beam........................98,132
High Beam Indicator................... 132
Illuminated Entry...................... 17
Instrument Cluster..................95,129
Interior...........................99,108
License............................. 336
Lights On Reminder.................... 97
Low Fuel........................... 136
LowTire ............................ 135Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 136
Oil Pressure......................... 132
Passing............................. 98
Reading............................ 108
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 133
Service..........................330,331
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator)... 136
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).......135,242
Traction Control...................... 223
Turn Signal........................98,131
Voltage............................. 129
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 129
Load Leveling System................... 122
Loading Vehicle.....................256,258
Capacities........................... 258
Tires ............................... 228
Locks................................ 23
Auto Unlock......................... 25
Child Protection....................... 26
Door............................... 23
Power Door.......................... 24
Low Tire Pressure System................ 242
INDEX 377
10