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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
3 (Third)
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•Provides more engine braking than D (Overdrive).
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from D
(Overdrive) to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy
loads, trailer towing and when engine braking is required.
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1 (First)
•Transaxle operates in first gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Controlor AdvanceTracsystem
off. This will allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck
vehicle. For more information, refer toTraction Control(if equipped)
orAdvanceTracstability enhancement system (if equipped)in this
chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
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The RSS is automatically enabled
when the gear selector is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
The park aid disable switch allows
the driver to disable the RSS only
when the ignition is ON, and the
gear selector is in R (Reverse). The
OFF indicator remains illuminated
when the system is disabled. If the
indicator light illuminates when the RSS is not turned off, it may indicate
a failure in the RSS.
The system defaults toenabledevery time the ignition is turned on.
Press the control to disable or enable the system.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.OFF
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flash. Press the flasher control again to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
This device stops the electric fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine
when your vehicle has had a substantial jolt.
After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.
This switch is located behind the
service panel on the right side of
the cargo area.
To reset the switch:
1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the
switch by pushing in on the reset
button.
4. Turn the ignition ON.
5. Wait a few seconds and return
the key to OFF.
6. Make another check for leaks.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
15
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Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace the cover to
the Power Distribution Box before reconnecting the battery or
refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
To remove the cover of the power distribution box, pull the release
latches at both ends of the cover, then pull the cover up.
The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
1 — Not used
2 30A** Right cooling fan
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
40 15A* Engine #1 (A/C relay coil, IMRC,
HEGO sensors, Canister purge,
Transmission module)
41 25A* Horn
42 10A* A/C clutch
43 15A* Engine #2 (Cooling fan relays,
Injectors, PCM, MAF sensor, IAC,
Ignition coil, ESM)
44 10A* Heated PCV
45 15A* High beams
46 20A* Trailer stop/turn lamps
47 15A* Fuel pump, Fuel pump shut-off
switch
48 — Not used
49 10A* PCM KAP, Canister vent
50 10A* Alternator
51 10A* Adjustable pedals (non-memory)
or memory module
52 20A* Trailer tow park lamps
53 10A* Heated mirrors
54 30A* Front wiper motor
55 25A* Rear wiper motor
56 30A* Premium sound radio
57 — Not used
58 30A* SJB #1 – Center High-Mounted
Stop Lamp (CHMSL), License
plate lamps, OBD II, Dome lamp,
Auxiliary blend doors, Switch
illumination (feeds F–8, F–9, F–10
and F–11)
59 20A* Radio (non-premium)
60 30A* SJB #4 – Back-up lamps, Door
locks
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Auxiliary relay box (cooling fans)
The relay box is located in the engine compartment by the radiator.
Fuse/Relay
locationFuse amp
ratingDescription
1 — Cooling fan relay #4
2 — Cooling fan relay #5
3 — Cooling fan relay #3
4 — Cooling fan relay #1
5 — Cooling fan relay #2
6 40A* Right-hand cooling fan motor (Vehicles with
trailer tow package only)
7 15A** Low-speed cooling fan circuit breaker
(Vehicles with trailer tow package only)
8 40A* Left-hand cooling fan motor (Vehicles with
trailer tow package)
10A** Low-speed cooling fan circuit breaker
(Vehicles without trailer tow package)
* Maxi fuse **Circuit breaker
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
•If your low tire warning light is on, refer toLow tire warningin this
chapter.
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Tire change procedure
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire,
be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions)
the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the
vehicle) to the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set parking
brake.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park),
turn engine off, and block the
diagonally opposite wheel.
3. Remove the spare tire, jack and
lug wrench.
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