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Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
11. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Knob
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. Trip A or Trip B
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and
hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 miles or kilometers. The odometer must be in trip
mode to reset.12. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on briefly when
the ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, it means that there is a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
13. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
NOTE:Turn signal bulbs are located in the Instrument
Panel.
230 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 239 of 488

4. To complete the compass calibration, drive the vehicle
in one or more complete 360 degree circles under 5 mph
(8 km/h) in an area free from power lines, large metallic
objects, until the ªCALº indicator turns off. The compass
will now function normally.
Odometer Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
CRUISE......................Cruise Activated
gASCAP.......................Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE..........................Fuse Fault
These messages can be manually turned off by pressing
the right reset button (on the instrument cluster).
Trip Odometer (ODO)
This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset. Press and release the right button (on the instru-
ment cluster) to switch from odometer, to trip A or trip B.
Press and hold the right button while the odometer/trip
odometer is displayed to reset.
Trip A
Shows the total distance traveled for trip A since the last
reset.
Trip B
Shows the total distance traveled for trip B since the last
reset.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239
4
Page 289 of 488

NReplacement Tires.....................328
NAlignment And Balance.................329
mTire Chains...........................330
mSnow Tires...........................330
mTire Rotation Recommendations............331
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................332
NBase System Ð If Equipped..............334
NGeneral Information...................336
mFuel Requirements Ð Gasoline Engines.......337
N2.4L And 2.4L Standard Turbo Engines......337
NReformulated Gasoline.................337
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............337NMMT In Gasoline.....................338
NMaterials Added To Fuel................338
NFuel System Cautions..................338
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............339
mAdding Fuel..........................340
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............340
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............342
mVehicle Loading........................342
mTrailer Towing.........................343
NCommon Towing Definitions.............343
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............345
NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................347
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
5
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When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE/OVERDRIVE range, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing trail-
ers), use the[3]range.
[3] DRIVE
This range eliminates shifts into OVERDRIVE. The trans-
axle will operate normally in first and second while in
this range.
NOTE:Using the[3]range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the[3]range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
[1] Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from[2]to[1]will occur as early as possible.
AUTOSTICK Ð IF EQUIPPED
AUTOSTICK is a driver-interactive transmission that
offers manual gear shifting capability to provide you
with more control. AUTOSTICK allows you to maximize
engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5
Page 340 of 488
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2
inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable
container, it should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
force open the restricting door.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger's side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door
reinforcement.
NOTE:If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.Gas Cap Tether Hook
340 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 341 of 488
CAUTION!
²Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
²A poorly fitting gas cap could let impurities into
the fuel system.
²A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light to turn on.
²To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and doing so will cause the malfunction
indicator light to turn on.
²A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
5
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NOTE:
²Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not
secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
²When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªgASCAPº message will be displayed in the Odometer/
Trip Odometer in the instrument cluster. Refer to ªInstru-
ment Cluster Descriptionº in Section 4 of this manual.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer/trip odometer reset button to turn the message
off. If the problem continues, the message will appear thenext time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a
damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row,
the system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL). Resolving the problem will turn the MIL light
off.Refer to ªOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBDIIº in
Section 7 of this manual for more information.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants (sedan).................. 3
Rear Seat Occupants (convertible).............. 2
Luggage....................... 115lbs(52kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity (sedan)....... 865lb(392 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity (convertible). . . 715 lb (324 kg)
342 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 375 of 488
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Turbo Engine Compartment............378
m2.4L Engine Compartment................379
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........380
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............381
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................381
mReplacement Parts......................383
mAuthorized Dealer Service................383
mMaintenance Procedures..................384NEngine Oil..........................384
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 388
NSpark Plugs.........................388
NIgnition Wiring System.................388
NCatalytic Converter....................389
NEngine Timing Belt....................390
NCrankcase Emission Control System........390
NFuel Filter..........................391
NAir Cleaner Element (Air Filter)...........391
7