Programmable Automatic
Door Unlock
Your vehicle was programmed so that all doors
will unlock automatically when the shift lever
is moved into PARK (P).
To change the way the automatic door unlocking
operates, seeDIC Vehicle Personalization
(Uplevel Only) on page 261.
Lockout Protection
The lockout protection feature makes it more
difficult to lock the key in the vehicle. If the driver’s
door is open while the key is in the ignition, the
door cannot be locked with the power door
lock switch.
This feature cannot guarantee that you will never
be locked out of the vehicle. If the key is not
left in the ignition, or, if the manual door lock is
used, the key could still be locked inside the
vehicle. Always remember to take the key
with you.
Dual Sliding Doors
To open either sliding door from outside the
vehicle, pull the handle out and then pull the door
toward the rear. If you slide the door all the
way back, the door will rest in a detent position.
To move the door forward, you must rst pull
the door past the open detent position.
The driver’s side sliding door is designed to open
only a little if the fuel door is open. If this ever
happens, do not try to force the sliding door. Just
close the driver’s side sliding door. Then when
the fuel ller door is closed, the driver’s side sliding
door can be opened normally.
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If you have a single PSD, this switch is located in
front of the passenger side sliding door. If your
vehicle has dual PSDs, the switches are located in
front of both sliding doors.
Power Sliding Door Operation
The power sliding door(s) will only open if the
transaxle is in PARK (P). The transaxle does not
have to be in PARK (P) to close the door(s).
There are several ways to open and close the
power sliding door(s).
If your vehicle has a single power sliding door,
press the top of the overhead console PSD
activation/override (deactivation) switch.
If your vehicle has dual power sliding doors,
press the top of the driver’s side and/or
passenger’s side overhead console PSD
activation/override (deactivation) switch.
Press the passenger PSD activation switch.
This switch will also stop a moving door
immediately.
Press the power sliding door button on the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
To manually open the power sliding door(s)
while the switch(es) are in the activation
position, pull and release the inside or outside
door handle to release the door latch. The
door will fully open.
To manually close the power sliding door(s)
while the switches are in the activation
position, pull the inside or outside door handle
or the edge of the door. Move the door
about 4 inches (10 cm) toward the closed
position and release it. The door will close
completely and latch.
If a power sliding door is locked, it cannot be
unlocked and opened using the overhead console
PSD switch(es) or the passenger PSD activation
switch(es). The power sliding door must either
be manually unlocked or unlocked using the power
door unlock switch located on the driver’s or
front passenger’s armrest, and then opened using
the overhead or passenger PSD activation
switch(es).
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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:
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 398for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
The key can be turned to one of four positions
while in the ignition switch.
A (LOCK):This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. This position locks
your ignition and transaxle.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break
the key. Use the correct key and turn the key
only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the
way in. If none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
Maximum engine speed is limited when you are in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for your
shift lever.
PARK (P):This gear position locks your front
wheels. It is the best position to use when you start
your engine because your vehicle cannot move
easily.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system.
You must fully apply your regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN.If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever and psh the shift lever all the way
info PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park (P)
on page 149.
{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 148.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 398.
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REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage
the transaxle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Shift to
REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out
of snow, ice or sand without damaging your
transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 390.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is rmly on
the brake pedal, your vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while your engine is running at
high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
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DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator all the way down.
The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and
have more power.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding
underLoss of Control on page 374
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up
rather slowly or not shift gears when you go
faster, and you continue to drive your vehicle
that way, you could damage the transaxle.
Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can
drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for
higher speeds until then.
Warm-Up Shift
Your vehicle has a computer controlled transaxle
designed to warm up the engine faster when
the outside temperature is 35°F (2°C) or colder.
You may notice that the transaxle will shift at
a higher vehicle speed until the engine is warmed
up. This is a normal condition designed to
provide heat to the passenger compartment and
defrost the windows more quickly. SeeClimate
Control System on page 205andDual Climate
Control System on page 209for more information.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal
driving. It reduces vehicle speed more than
DRIVE (D) without using your brakes. You might
choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D) when
driving on hilly, winding roads, when towing
a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears
and when going down a steep hill.
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Parking Brake
The parking brake is
located under the
instrument panel on
the driver’s side of
the vehicle.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push down on
the parking brake pedal with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 226.To release the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with your right foot while
you push down on the parking brake pedal with
your left foot. When you lift your left foot from the
parking brake pedal, it will pop up to the
released position.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is
off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any
hill, seeTowing a Trailer on page 398.
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