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1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
Trip Functions
Press and release the MENU button until one of the
following Trip Functions displays in the EVIC:
²Average Fuel Economy
²Distance To Empty
²Elapsed Time
²Display Units of Measure inPress and release the STEP button to advance the display
through the Trip Functions.
The Trip Functions mode displays the following informa-
tion:
²Average Fuel Economy
Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.
When the fuel economy is reset, the display will read,
RESET or show dashes for two seconds. Then, the history
information will be erased, and the averaging will con-
tinue from the last fuel average reading before the reset.
²Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. DTE cannot be reset through the RESET
button.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE display value.
²When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will
change to a text display of LOW FUEL. This display
will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding
a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off
the LOW FUEL text and a new DTE value will display.
²Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset.
Elapsed time will increment when the ignition switch is
in the ON or START position.
²Display Units In:
To make your selection, press and release the RESET
button until ªUSº or ªMETRICº appears.
To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur if a resettable function is currently
displayed. Press and hold the RESET button once to clear
the function currently displayed.
To reset all resettable functions, press and release the
RESET button a second time within three seconds of
resetting the currently displayed function (Reset ALL will
display during this three-second window).
Compass Display
The compass heading indicates the direction
the vehicle is facing. Press and release the
compass button to display one of eight
compass heading and the outside tempera-
ture.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to calibrate the compass manually. When the ve-
hicle is new, the compass may appear erratic and the
COMPASS
Button
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
4
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
4
Page 249 of 454

NLife Of Tire.........................295
NReplacement Tires.....................296
NAlignment And Balance.................297
mTire Chains...........................297
mSnow Tires...........................298
mTire Rotation Recommendations............298
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................299
NBase System Ð If Equipped..............302
NPremium System Ð If Equipped..........304
NGeneral Information...................307
mFuel Requirements......................307
N2.4L And 2.7L Engines..................307N3.5L Engine.........................308
NReformulated Gasoline.................309
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............309
NMMT In Gasoline.....................310
NMaterials Added To Fuel................310
NFuel System Cautions..................310
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............311
mFlexible FuelÐ 2.7L Engines Only
(Except California Emission States)..........312
NE-85 General Information................312
NEthanol Fuel (E-85)....................313
NFuel Requirements....................313
NSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......314
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
5
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NStarting............................315
NCruising Range.......................315
NReplacement Parts.....................315
NMaintenance.........................315
mAdding Fuel..........................316
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............316
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............318
mVehicle Loading........................319
NVehicle Certification Label...............319
NGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......319
NGross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........320
NOverloading.........................320NLoading............................321
mTrailer Towing.........................322
NCommon Towing Definitions.............322
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............324
NTrailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........325
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............326
NTowing Requirements..................327
NTowing Tips.........................331
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 333
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................333
250 STARTING AND OPERATING
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If Engine Fails to Start
WARNING!
²Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump starting procedures
and follow them carefully.
Without Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold Weatherº proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine is flooded, it may start to run, but not have
enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking up to 15
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5
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seconds with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to
the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once
the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, repeat the ªNormal Startingº or ªEx-
treme Cold Weatherº procedures.
With Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold Weatherº proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motorwill disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING
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DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) With 6±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStickt
mode and select the[5]range when frequent transaxle
shifting occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head
winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, using the[5]range will improve performance
and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the[3]range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) range, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hillyterrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing
heavy trailers). Under these conditions, using the[3]
range will improve performance and extend transaxle life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
[3](DRIVE) With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range eliminates shifts into DRIVE (OVERDRIVE).
The transaxle will operate normally in First, Second, and
Third while in this range. The[3](DRIVE) range should
also be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
NOTE:Using the [3] (DRIVE) range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
LOW With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
260 STARTING AND OPERATING