Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle is equipped
with a content
theft-deterrent alarm
system.
Here is how to operate the system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch
or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The
security light should ash.
3. Close all doors. The security light should turn
off after approximately 30 seconds. The alarm
is not armed until the security light turns off.
If a locked door is opened without the key or the
remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go
off. The headlamps and parking lamps will ash
for two minutes, and the horn will sound for
30 seconds, then will turn off to save the
battery power.Remember, the theft-deterrent system will not
activate if you lock the doors with a key or use the
manual door lock. It activates only if you use a
power door lock switch with the door open, or with
the remote keyless entry transmitter. You should
also remember that you can start your vehicle with
the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off.
Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
If you do not want to activate the
theft-deterrent system, the vehicle should be
locked with the door keyafterthe doors
are closed.
Always unlock a door with a key, or use the
remote keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking
a door any other way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any
door with the key. You can also turn off the alarm
by pressing unlock on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The alarm will not stop if you try
to unlock a door any other way.
102
ProCarManuals.com
PASS-Key®III Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key®III
(Personalized
Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent
system. PASS-Key
®III
is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
This means you do not have to do anything different
to arm or disarm the system. It works when you
insert or remove the key from the ignition.When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that
someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the
vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will
not work and fuel will stop being delivered to the
engine. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to
start the vehicle will be discouraged because of the
high number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does
not start and the SECURITY light comes on, the
key may have a damaged transponder. Turn
the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key.
At this time, you may also want to check the fuse.
SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 435.Ifthe
engine still does not start with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the
rst key may be faulty. See your dealer who can
service the PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
104
ProCarManuals.com
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h)
or less for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, for the rst 500 miles
(805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts.
Avoid downshifting to brake, or slow,
the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings can
mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See
Towing a Trailer on page 305for the
trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle
and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
106
ProCarManuals.com
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s
door. Always remember to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. This will lock
your ignition and transaxle. Also, always remember
to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ignition while your vehicle is parked.
You may not be able to start your vehicle after it
has been parked for an extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain
features of your vehicle to continue to work up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to LOCK.
Your radio, power windows, DVD player, sunroof
(option) and overhead console will work when
the ignition key is in RUN or ACC. Once the key is
turned from RUN to LOCK, these features will
continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until
a door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position -- this is a safety feature.
To restart when you are already moving, use
NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P)
only when your vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go
down as your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
108
ProCarManuals.com
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components.
If the ignition key is turned to the START
position, and then released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not start and the
key is held in START for many seconds,
cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the
ignition switch to the ACC or LOCK position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding it
there as you hold the key in START for up to
a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts brie y but then stops
again, do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with your
dealer. If you do not, your engine might not
perform properly. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
109
ProCarManuals.com