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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 ACC or LOCK.
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 retailer. If you do not, your engine might
not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission,
the shift lever is located on the center console
between the front seats.
There are several
different positions for
the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start the
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It can be 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. 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,
use the steps that follow.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transmission 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 push the
shift lever all the way into 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 89.
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REVERSE (R):To back up, press the clutch
pedal. After the vehicle stops, shift into
REVERSE (R). Slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. If it is
hard to shift, let the shift lever return to NEUTRAL
and release the clutch pedal. Then press the
clutch pedal again and shift into REVERSE (R).
Do not attempt to shift into the fth gear
position prior to shifting into REVERSE (R).
Your transmission has a lock out feature which
prevents a fth gear to reverse gear shift.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage
the transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Shift to
REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
Also, use FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R), along
with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle.Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats.
To se the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down and pull up on the parking brake lever.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 134.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can
press the release button. Hold the release button
in as you move the brake lever all the way down.
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If you forget to release your parking brake, a chime
will sound and a warning message will be displayed
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the
vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph (8 kph). See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 147.
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.
Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Your vehicle can roll. 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, use
the steps that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding
the button on the shift lever and pushing
the lever all the way toward the front of the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key
in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Notice:Leaving the convertible top down
and exposing the interior of your vehicle
to outdoor conditions may cause damage.
Always close the convertible top if leaving
your vehicle outdoors.
Notice:Lowering the convertible top when
there are objects in the storage area could
damage it or break the glass rear window.
Always verify that no objects are in the storage
area before lowering the convertible top.
Notice:Lowering the top if it is damp, wet,
or dirty can cause stains, mildew, and damage
to the inside of your vehicle. Dry off the top
before lowering it.
Notice:If you lower the top on your vehicle
in cold weather (0°F/-18°C or lower), you
may damage top components. Do not lower
the top in cold weather.Notice:If you raise or lower the convertible
top while the vehicle is in motion, you
could damage the top or the top mechanism.
The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Always put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual
transmission in FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R),
turn the ignition off and engage the parking
brake before raising or lowering the
convertible top.
{CAUTION:
Moving parts of the convertible top can
be dangerous. People can be injured by
the convertible top and its mechanism.
Keep people away from your vehicle
when you are lowering or raising the top.
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Lowering the Manual Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking
brake. Shift an automatic transmission into
PARK (P). Shift a manual transmission
into FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
2. Make sure the ignition is turned off.
3. Push the trunk release button located in
the glove box, or on the remote keyless
entry, if equipped.
4. Lift the trunk.
5. The convertible top front latch, located above
the inside rearview mirror, must be unlatched.
Pull the latch down and turn it counterclockwise
to unlatch it.
Leave the latch open and turned to prevent
damage.
6. Pull rearward on the side edge (B) of the
convertible top and pull it off of the windshield
frame.
7. Push the convertible top down into the
trunk (D).
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8. After the top is stored, apply one even push,
as shown, on the convertible top to ensure that
the top is fully retracted and securely stored.
9. Close the trunk (D) by pressing down on it
with a swift, rm motion.
Do not operate rear defogger when convertible
top is down.A clear Mylar
®protective lm has been installed
at the factory on the trunk lid surface under the
convertible top buttresses. This lm is designed
to help prevent paint damage to the trunk lid.
Do not remove this protective lm. It is intended to
remain permanently affixed to the trunk lid surface.
Raising the Manual Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake
rmly and shift an automatic transmission into
PARK (P). Shift a manual transmission into
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
2. Make sure the ignition is turned off, and lower
the windows.
3. Push the trunk release button located in the
glove box, or on the remote keyless entry,
if equipped.
4. Lift the trunk.
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Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning ashers let you warn others.
They also let police know you have a problem.
Your front and rear turn signal lamps will ash on
and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
in the center of the
instrument panel.
Your hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key is
not in the ignition switch.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn
signal lamps ash on and off. Press the button
again to turn the ashers off.
When the hazard warning ashers are on, your
turn signals will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry re ective triangles, you can set them up
at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m)
behind your vehicle.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the center pad on the
steering wheel.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can raise the steering
wheel to the highest level to give your legs more
room when you enter and exit the vehicle.
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