Page 235 of 454

Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix
and Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air
Conditioning Snowflake button is not pressed. This de-
humidifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.Recirculation Control
Press in on this button to
block the flow of outside air
from coming into the passen-
ger compartment. A light will
illuminate when the system is
in recirculation mode. Only
use the recirculation mode as
a temporary means to block
out any outside odors, smoke,
or dust, and to cool the inte-
rior rapidly upon initial start up in very hot or humid
weather.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 235
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Page 236 of 454

NOTE:
²Continuous use of the recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
²The use of the recirculation mode in cold or damp
weather will cause windows to fog on the inside,
because of moisture build-up inside the vehicle. Select
the Outside Air position for maximum defogging.
²The A/C will engage automatically to prevent fogging
when the recirculation button is pressed and the mode
control is set to panel or panel / floor.
²The A/C can be deselected manually without disturb-
ing the mode control selection.
²When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
Air Conditioning Control
Press in on this button to en-
gage the Air Conditioning. A
light will illuminate when the
Air Conditioning System is
engaged. Rotating the dial left
into the blue area of the scale
indicates cooler temperatures
while the rotating right into
the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
²MAX A/C
For maximum cooling use the A/C and recirculation
buttons at the same time.
236 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 237 of 454

²ECONOMY MODE
If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
off the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then,
move the temperature control to the desired temperature.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Ð If Equipped
Automatic Operation
The Infrared Climate Control System automatically
maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle at thecomfort levels desired by the driver and passenger. To
accomplish this, the system gathers information from the
cabin infrared sensor mounted between the sun-visors
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. Other sensors take account of ve-
hicle speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Operation of the system is quite simple.
1. Turn the Mode Control knob (on the right) and the
Blower Control knob (on the left) to AUTO.
NOTE:The AUTO position performs best for front seat
occupants only.
Automatic Temperature Control
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 237
4
Page 248 of 454

mPower Steering........................270
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............271
NAcceleration.........................271
NTraction............................271
mDriving Through Water..................272
NFlowing/Rising Water..................272
NShallow Standing Water.................272
mTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . . 274
mBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....275
mElectronic Stability Program (ESP) Ð
If Equipped...........................276
NESP Operating Modes..................277
NESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light................278NSynchronizing ESP....................279
mTire Safety Information...................280
NTire Markings........................280
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........283
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........284
mTires Ð General Information...............288
NTire Pressure.........................288
NTire Inflation Pressures.................289
NRadial-Ply Tires......................291
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........292
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........293
NTire Spinning........................294
NTread Wear Indicators..................294
248 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 255 of 454

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Ð IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is bundled under the hood
between the headlight assembly and the Totally Inte-
grated Power Module (Fuse Box) on the driver side of the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
CAUTION!
Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
²Shift the gear selector lever into PARK only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
²Shift the gear selector lever into or out of RE-
VERSE only after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop and the engine is at idle speed.
²Do not shift the gear selector lever from RE-
VERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward
gear when the engine is above idle speed.
²Before shifting the gear selector lever into any gear,
make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
NOTE:You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down
while shifting the gear selector lever out of PARK.
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Page 265 of 454
When parking on a hill, it is important to apply the
parking brake before placing the gear selector lever in
ªPº (Park), otherwise the load on the transaxle locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the selector out
of park. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the
curb on an uphill grade.
To apply the parking brake, grasp the handle and pull it
upward until you feel resistance. To release the parking
brake, grasp the handle and pull it slightly while pressing
the button on the end of the handle. When the button
drops into the handle (releasing the lock), guide the
handle downward to its stop and then release the button
and the handle.NOTE:
²The parking brake will not release unless the handle is
pulled upward slightly past its applied position.
Parking Brake Lever
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
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Page 266 of 454

²If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is
moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The
chime will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle
has returned to a stop.
The Brake System Warning Light in the instru-
ment cluster will turn on when the parking
brake is applied and the ignition switch is on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system malfunc-
tion is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by
an authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving: failure to do so can lead to brake
failure, and an accident.
266 STARTING AND OPERATING
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BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. However, there will
be some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application and
greater pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. In
addition, if the malfunction is caused by a leak in the
hydraulic system, the brake warning indicator will turn
on as the brake fluid level drops in the master cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.WARNING!
²Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot rest-
ing or riding on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
wouldn't have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
²Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is dan-
gerous. A significant decrease in braking perfor-
mance or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You
could have an accident. Have the vehicle checked
immediately.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
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