Page 229 of 408
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................232
▫Automatic Transaxle...................232
▫Manual Transaxle.....................233
▫Normal Starting......................233
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below20°F Or29°C)................233
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................234
▫After Starting........................234
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped.........235
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......236▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................236
▫Gear Ranges For Continuously Variable
Automatic Transaxle (Cvt)...............237
AutoStick — If Equipped.................239
▫AutoStick Operation...................239
▫AutoStick General Information............240
Manual Transaxle Operation...............241
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............242
▫Downshifting........................242
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Page 239 of 408
AUTOSTICK — IF EQUIPPED
Autostick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
six manual ratio changes to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations. Automatic
ratio changes upward will only occur to protect the
Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle (CVT) and or
the engine from overspeed and changes down will only
happen at minimum engine speed to prevent stalling.
Autostick Operation
Autostick Shifter
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
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Page 240 of 408

Autostick operation is activated in theDposition by
moving the shift lever side to side. Moving the lever to
the (+) side will activate Autostick and shift up to the
next higher manual ratio, unless you are already operat-
ing in or near overdrive in which case, 6th ratio will be
selected. In like manner, moving the lever to (-) will
activate Autostick and shift to the next lower manual
ratio. After Autostick is activated, the manual ratio
selected is displayed in the transmission ratio display
and tipping the lever to the (+) or (-) direction will cause
an upshift or downshift by one ratio. Holding the lever to
(+) momentarily will deactivate Autostick. Autostick is
also deactivated when the lever is shifted out ofD.Also,
when in 6 position, touching the lever to the right will
restore DriveDposition.Autostick General Information
•
If a ratio other than 1st is selected and the vehicle is
brought to a stop, the transaxle control logic will
automatically select the 1st gear ratio.
•If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to
the rev limit, the transaxle will automatically select the
next higher ratio.
•If a downshift would cause the engine to overspeed,
that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
Mostly the CVT will stay in the manually selected
ratio, however.
•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If the system detects a problem it will disable the
Autostick mode and the transmission will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
240 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 295 of 408

Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
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.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
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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, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of
this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING
During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up
long grades on hot days, the automatic transaxle oil may
become too hot.
If this happens, the transmission overheat in-
dicator light will come on, and the vehicle will
slow slightly until the automatic transaxle
cools down enough to allow a return to the
requested speed. If the high speed is maintained, the
overheating will reoccur, as before, in a cyclic fashion.
300 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 343 of 408

Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule located if section 8 of
this manual for the correct change interval for your type
of driving.
Special Additives
Do not add any materials (other than leak detection dyes)
to Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). ATF is an engi-
neered product and its performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives.
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16” (4.7 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
following conditions exist:
•The lubricant has become contaminated with water. If
contaminated with water, the fluid should be changed
immediately.
•If severe usage has occurred, refer to Maintenance
Schedule “B” in Section 8 of this manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
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Page 368 of 408
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake/
clutch master cylinder, and manual transaxle and add
as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
CAUTION!
Do not check the automatic transaxle fluid. It must
be check by a trained service technician every 15,000
miles and if required only the recommended fluid
be added. Refer to the section “Fluids, Lubricants
And Genuine Parts” for the proper fluid.
368 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 404 of 408

Seat Belts (Sedan)........................ 36
Seats................................. 108
Adjustment.......................... 108
Cleaning............................ 347
Head Restraints....................... 112
Heated.............................. 113
Lumbar Support....................... 110
Rear Folding......................... 115
Rear Folding (Sedan).................... 115
Seatback Release....................... 111
Tilting .............................. 111
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)................ 30
Selection of Oil......................... 322
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................. 14,31
Sentry Key Programming................... 16
Service and Maintenance.................. 366
Service Assistance....................... 384
Service Contract......................... 386
Service Manuals........................ 388Setting the Clock................187,189,197,210
Settings, Personal........................ 180
Shift Speeds, Manual Transaxle.............. 242
Shoulder Belts........................... 37
Side Airbag............................. 58
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters).......... 228
Signals, Turn........................... 358
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 308
Snow Tires............................ 276
Spare Tire.......................263,264,302
Spark Plugs............................ 324
Specifications
Oil ................................ 322
Speed Control (Cruise Control)...........129,171
Speedometer........................... 167
Starting............................... 232
Automatic Transmission................. 232
Engine Fails to Start.................... 234
Manual Transmission................... 233
404 INDEX