Page 38 of 488
To open the unlocked liftgate, squeeze the liftgate release
touch pad located on the backside of the liftgate handle
and pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion.Opening The Liftgate While the Security Alarm Is
Activated
Unlocking the liftgate with the remote keyless entry
transmitter will allow access to the liftgate without
sounding or disarming the security alarm system. Once
the liftgate is closed, it will again be monitored by the
security alarm system.
WARNING!
²Driving with the liftgate open can allow poison-
ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the liftgate closed when you are operating the
vehicle.
²If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.Liftgate Handle
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 39 of 488

Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera-
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.
DECK LID (CONVERTIBLE)
Gas props support the deck lid in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera-
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the deck lid in cold weather.
POWER DECK LID RELEASE (Convertible)
You can open the deck lid by pressing the Remote
Keyless Entry Button or from inside the vehicle, using the
switch located inside the glove box. On vehicles
equipped with a manual transmission, the power deck
lid release switch is disabled if the doors are locked, or if
vehicle speed exceeds 0 mph (0 km/h), or when the
clutch pedal is depressed. On vehicles equipped with anautomatic transmission, the power deck lid release
switch is disabled if the doors are locked, or the trans-
mission is out of PARK.
WARNING!
²Driving with the deck lid open can allow poison-
ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the deck lid closed when you are operating the
vehicle.
²If you are required to drive with the deck lid open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
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Page 116 of 488

If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
116 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 221 of 488

NNotes On Playing MP3 Files.............268
NOperating Instructions - (CD Mode For MP3
Audio Play).........................270
NLoad/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . 271
mSatellite Radio Ð If Equipped..............273
NSystem Activation.....................273
NElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ESN/SID)....................273
NSelecting Satellite Mode In REF, And RAQ,
Radios.............................274
NSelecting a Channel....................274
NStoring And Selecting Pre-Set Channels......275NUsing The PTY (Program Type) Button (If
Equipped)..........................275
NPTY Button9Scan9.....................275
NPTY Button9Seek9.....................276
NSatellite Antenna......................276
NReception Quality.....................276
mCD/DVD Disc Maintenance...............277
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones........277
mClimate Controls.......................277
NClimate Controls......................277
NOperating Tips.......................283
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221
4
Page 222 of 488
INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 - Air Vent 5 - Radio 9 - TRAC Off 13 - Hazard Lights
2 - Instrument Cluster 6 - Assist Handle 10 - Climate Controls 14 - Rear Window Defroster*
3 - Power Windows 7 - Glove Compartment 11 - Storage Cubby 15 - Power Convertible Top
4 - Analog Clock 8 - Heated Seats* 12 - Pass Airbag Off 16 - Side Mirror Control*
* If Equipped 222 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 277 of 488

CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the CD/DVD discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.8. Do not play discs that are small in size or have
irregular shapes.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being ON in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
Climate Controls
The Climate Control System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle. The controls are located in the
center instrument panel, below the radio.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 277
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Page 424 of 488

REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
Center Console Floor Lamp................. T37
Climate Controls......................6233137
Console Gear Selector...................PC194
Dome Light (sedan)......................T579
Dome Light / Sport Bar Lights (convertible)....T904
Instrument Cluster Illumination.............. 74
Overhead Reading Light (Overhead Console). . . T1037
Overhead Reading Light (Rearview Mirror).....T192
Rear Cargo............................T906
Visor Vanity.........................6501966
All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not
be used for replacement.LIGHTS BULBS Ð Outside Bulb No.
Low Beam Headlight...................9006XS
High Beam Headlight...................9005XS
Front Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker
Light............................4157NAKX
Front Fog Light.........................9145
Center High Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL) (Sedan)...................921±W16W
Center High Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL) (Convertible).................... LED
Rear Tail/Stop..........................3157
Rear Turn Signal.......................3757A
Backup Light.....................3157-P27/7W
License Light........................... 168
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 467 of 488

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire's manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear 1-1/2 times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The
relative performance of tires depends upon the actualconditions of their use, however, and may depart signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 467
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