Page 350 of 494

Automatic Transaxle
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, third
gear for a four—speed automatic and the fifth gear for a
six-speed AutoStickshould be selected.
NOTE:Using third or fifth instead of DRIVE while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions,
will improve performance and extend transaxle life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
If youREGULARLY TOWa trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transaxle fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing” in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.NOTE:Check the four-speed automatic transaxle fluid
level before towing. AutoSticksix—speed transmission
is sealed and the fluid level cannot be checked. See your
authorized dealership service center for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control (If Equipped)
•
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 351 of 494
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transaxle overheating,
take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transaxle in
neutral and increase engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
•Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing
this section, please consult your dealer to for full details
on the towing capabilities of the vehicle.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
towing with all four wheels on the ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
STARTING AND OPERATING 349
5
Page 353 of 494
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher..................353
If Your Engine Overheats.................353
▫Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Engine Only
(If Equipped)........................355
Jacking And Tire Changing................356
▫Jack Location........................356
▫Spare Tire Stowage....................356
▫Spare Tire Removal....................356
▫Preparations For Jacking................357▫Jacking Instructions....................358
Jump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low
Battery..............................364
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle..................367
Towing A Disabled Vehicle................368
▫With The Ignition Key..................368
▫Without The Ignition Key...............369
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................369
6
Page 354 of 494
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
WithATowDolly .....................370▫Without Power — Override Transaxle Interlock
System.............................370
352 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 357 of 494
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Engine Only (If
Equipped)
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced.
NOTE:The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355
6
Page 358 of 494
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
•The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
Jack Location
The jack and jack-handle are stowed under the load floor
in the trunk.
Spare Tire Stowage
The compact spare tire is stowed under the rear load floor
in the trunk.
Spare Tire Removal
Lift up the load floor cover and remove the hold down.
356 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 359 of 494
Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas,set the parking brakeand place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transaxle) or REVERSE
(manual transaxle). Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
•Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
•Passengers should not remain in the vehicle while the
vehicle is being jacked.
Spare Tire and Jack Stowage
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 357
6
Page 361 of 494
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
•Turn on the Hazard warning flasher.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 359
6