Automatic Transaxle Operation
The shift lever for the automatic transaxle is
located on the console between the seats.
Maximum engine speed is limited when the vehicle
is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect
driveline components from improper operation.
There are several
different positions for
the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels.
It is the best position to use when the engine
is started because the vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See
Shifting Into Park (P) on page 116.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 324.
3800 V6 Engine
110
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management
(EPM) that estimates the battery’s temperature and
state of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for
best performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the
voltage is raised slightly to quickly put the charge
back in. When the state of charge is high, the
voltage is lowered slightly to prevent overcharging.
If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage or voltage
display on the Driver Information Center (DIC), you
may see the voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for all
vehicles. This is because the generator (alternator)
may not be spinning fast enough at idle to
produce all the power that is needed for very high
electrical loads.A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s
output and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It
can increase engine idle speed to generate more
power, whenever needed. It can temporarily
reduce the power demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels,
without being noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action, this action may
be noticeable to the driver. If so, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as Battery Saver Active. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as
possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 200.
150
An indicator light to the right of the button will
come on to show that the recirculation button has
been pressed. The instrument panel brightness
control may have to be adjusted to the highest
setting to see the indicator.
The recirculation mode has a timer. After
ve minutes, the system’s air inlet door will move
slightly to allow for ten percent fresh outside
air to maintain interior air quality. The only way to
reset the system to full recirculation is to restart
the ve minute timer by selecting vent/outside air
and recirculation again.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window. Be
sure to clear as much snow from the rear window
as possible.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear window. Do not
adhere anything to the defogger grid lines
in the rear glass. These actions may damage
the rear defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
=(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button
to turn the rear window defogger on or off.
An indicator light to the right of the button will
come on to show that the rear window defogger is
on. The instrument panel brightness control
may have to be adjusted to the highest setting
during the daytime in order to see the indicator
light.
The rear window defogger will turn off about
20 minutes after the button is pressed. If the button
is pressed again, it will run another 20 minutes.
The defogger can be turned off by pressing
the button again or by turning off the engine.
Do not drive the vehicle until all windows are clear.
z(Heated Seats):Press this button to turn
the heated seats on and off. The button on the left
controls the driver’s seat and the button on the
right controls the passenger’s seat. SeeHeated
Seats on page 10for additional information.
161