Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission has a shift lever on the
console.
It features an electronic shift position indicator within
the instrument cluster. This display must be powered
anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of
PARK (P). This means that if your key is turned off,
but not in LOCK, there will be a small current drain on
your battery which could discharge your battery over
a period of time. If you need to leave your key in
the ignition but not in LOCK for an extended period,
it is recommended that you disconnect the battery cable
from the battery to prevent discharging your battery.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-33. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-50.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transmission shift lock control system.
You must fully apply your regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button before you can
shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON.
2-23
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition is RUN. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-23.
The shift lock control system is designed to do the
following:
Prevent the ignition key from being removed
unless the shift lever is in PARK (P).
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN
and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control system is always functional
except in the case of a dead battery or low voltage
(less than 9 V) battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42for more
information.To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have
your vehicle serviced soon.Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
Your vehicle has a manual transmission. Before you
get out of your vehicle, move the shift lever into
REVERSE (R), and rmly apply the parking brake.
Once the shift lever has been placed into REVERSE (R)
with the clutch pedal pressed in, turn the ignition key
to LOCK, remove the key and release the clutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if your vehicle is pulling
a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-50.
2-35
Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers........................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-15
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-17
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-17
Off-Road Lamps...........................................3-18
Fog Lamps..................................................3-19
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-19
Dome Lamp.................................................3-19
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-20
Exit Lighting.................................................3-20
Reading Lamps............................................3-20Electric Power Management...........................3-20
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-21
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-22
Climate Controls............................................3-22
Climate Control System.................................3-22
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-25
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-26
Speedometer and Odometer..........................
.3-27
Trip Odometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-28
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-29
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-32
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-32
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-33
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-34
Traction Off Light..........................................3-34
StabiliTrak
®Not Ready Light..........................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-35
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1
Dome Lamp Override
E(Dome Lamp Override):You can use the dome
override button, located below the exterior lamps control,
to set the dome and footwell lamps to come on
automatically when a door is opened, or to remain off.
To turn the lamps off, press the button into the in
position. With the button in this position, the dome lamps
will remain off when the doors are open. To return the
lamps to automatic operation, press the button again
and return it to the out position. With the button in this
position, the dome lamps will come on when you
open a door.
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition. The lamps will not
come on if the dome override button is pressed in.
Reading Lamps
Your vehicle has reading lamps. Press the button
located next to the lamp to turn them on or off.
These lamps will not come on with the dome lamps.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of
charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage, you may see the voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamp if it is left on for
more than 20 minutes when the ignition is in LOCK. This
will help prevent your battery from running down.
3-20