Introduction
HomeLink1 is a system that can be programmed to learn the codes of three different remote controlled-devices (for
example, a garage door opener, remote lighting, entry gate). HomeLink's sun visor-mounted transceiver, powered by
your car's electrical system, may then be used in place of your handheld remote controls. The HomeLink transceiver
consists of three programmable buttons and an indicator light.
1 HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Intl.
© JCI, All rights reserved
NOTE
For your security, the HomeLink Universal Transceiver is designed to not function if you lock your car from the
outside.
Retain the original transmitter(s) for future programming procedures (for example, if you purchase a new vehicle).
For your own security, erase all programmed buttons on the HomeLink Universal Transceiver when you sell your
vehicle.
Metallic sun protection films should not be used on any windows in a vehicle equipped with HomeLink Universal
Transceiver. This could interfere with the transceivers function.
Operating the HomeLink Universal Transceiver
Once programmed, the HomeLink Universal Transceiver can be used in place of your handheld transmitters.
NOTE
The HomeLink universal transceiver will function for 30 minutes after the driver's door has been opened without
switching on the vehicle's ignition.
Press the programmed HomeLink button to activate the garage door, driveway gate, security lightning, home security
system etc.
Your original hand -held transmitters may, of course, be used at any time.
WARNING
If you use HomeLink to open a garage door or gate, be sure no one is near the gate or door while it is in motion.
Do not use the HomeLink Universal Transceiver with any garage door opener that lacks safety "stop" and
"reverse" features as required by federal safety standards. (This includes any garage door opener model manufactured
before April 1, 1982). A garage door opener that cannot "detect" an object, signalling the door to "stop" and
"reverse" does not meet current federal safety standards. Using a garage door opener without these features increases
the risk of serious injury or death. For more information on this matter, call toll-free 1-800-355-3515. (Internet:
www.HomeLink.com
).
107 03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine
Starting the engine
Ignition switch with remote key inserted (see page 80
for more information)
1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING
Before starting the engine, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake
pedal can be depressed completely. Adjust the seat if necessary.
2. Insert the remote key into the ignition slot. Press the key until it is drawn into the slot
1.
NOTE
The remote key should be inserted into the ignition slot with the key blade end of the remote pointing out and the
key pad facing up. See the illustration on page 80
.
3. Depress the brake pedal
2.
WARNING
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause the accelerator and/or brake pedal to catch. Check that the movement of
these pedals is not impeded. Not more than one protective floor covering may be used at one time.
4. Press and release the START/STOP ENGINE button. The autostart function will operate the starter motor until the
engine starts.
The starter motor operates for a maximum of 10 seconds. If the engine has not started, repeat the procedure.
1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, it is only necessary to have a remote control in the passenger's compartment.
2 If the vehicle is moving, it is only necessary to press the START/STOP ENGINE button to start the vehicle.
WARNING
Always remove the remote key from the ignition slot when leaving the vehicle, especially if there are children in
the vehicle.
Never remove the remote key from the ignition slot while driving or when the vehicle is being towed. The
steering lock could otherwise be activated, making it impossible to steer the vehicle. Never remove the remote key
with keyless drive function (option) from the vehicle while driving or during towing.
Always place the gear selector in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the
vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Always open garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.
108 03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine
NOTE
The idling speed can be noticeably higher than normal during cold starts. This is to enable emission control system
can reach normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which helps reduce exhaust emissions
1.
Keylock: Your vehicle is equipped with a keylock system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must
be in the Park position before the key can be removed
2 from the ignition slot.
1If the gear selector is in the D or R positions and the car is not moving, engine speed (rpm) will be lower and it will take longer for the engine to
reach normal operating temperature.
2Does not apply to vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
CAUTION
When starting in cold weather, the automatic transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than
normal until the automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough
to prevent engine damage.
The engine should be idling when you move the gear selector. Never accelerate until after you feel the
transmission engage. Accelerating immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature
transmission wear.
Selecting P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help prevent overheating of the
automatic transmission fluid.
Keyless drive (option)
Follow steps 3-4 for starting the engine.
NOTE
For the vehicle to start, one of the vehicle's remote keys must be in the passenger compartment.
Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock is deactivated when the remote key is inserted into the ignition slot
1 and activated when the
remote key is removed from the ignition slot.
Always take the remote key or keyless drive remote when leaving the vehicle to help reduce the risk of theft.
1 On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the steering lock is deactivated when the start button is pressed for the first time (assuming that a
remote control is in the passenger's compartment). It is activated when the ignition is switched off and the driver's door is opened.
109 03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine
Jump starting
Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another vehicle's dead battery using
your vehicle. If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another vehicle, check that the vehicles are not touching to
prevent premature completion of a circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle.
To jump start your vehicle:
1. Switch off the ignition (set the ignition to mode 0, see page 80
).
2. First connect the red jumper cable to the auxiliary battery's positive (+) terminal
.
3. Fold back the cover over the positive (+) terminal on your vehicle's battery
, marked with a "+" sign, located
under a folding cover.
4. Connect the black jumper cable to the auxiliary battery's negative (-) terminal
and to the ground point in your
vehicle's engine compartment (right engine mount at the top, on the outer screw)
.
5. Start the engine in the assisting vehicle, then start the engine in the vehicle with dead battery.
6. After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable (black). Then remove the positive
(+) terminal jumper cable (red).
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION
Connect the jumper cables carefully to avoid short circuits with other components in the engine compartment.
WARNING
Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If
contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to injury.
110 03 Your driving environment
Transmission
Automatic transmission
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move the gear selector between the R , N, D, and P
positions.
The gear selector can be moved freely between the Geartronic (manual shifting) and Drive ( D) positions while driving.
Park position (P)
Select the P position when starting or parking.
1The information display (see page 74) shows the gear selector's position or the selected gear by displaying the following: P, R, N, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
or 6.
Keylock
To remove the remote key from the ignition slot, the gear selector must be in the P position. The remote key is locked
in the slot in all other positions.
Shiftlock
When P has been selected, the transmission is mechanically blocked in this position. The brake pedal must be
depressed before the gear lever can be moved from the P position.
Always apply the parking brake when the vehicle is parked, see page 116
. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
electric parking brake, press the control to apply the brake, see page 116
.
CAUTION
The vehicle must be stationary when position P is selected.
Reverse (R)
The vehicle must be stationary when position R is selected.
Neutral position (N)
No gear is engaged and the engine can be started with the gear selector in this position. Apply the parking brake if the
vehicle is stationary with the gear selector in position N .
Drive (D)
D is the normal driving position. The car automatically shifts between the various forward gears, based on the level of
acceleration and speed. The car must be at a standstill when shifting from position R to position D.
111 03 Your driving environment
Transmission
Geartronic-manual shifting
Geartronic allows you to manually shift among your vehicle's six forward speeds. Geartronic can be selected at any
time.
To access the manual ( M) shifting position from Drive ( D), move the gear selector to the right to M .
To return to the D position from M, move the gear selector to the left.
While driving
If you select the M position while driving, the gear that was being used in the Drive position will also initially be
selected in the M position.
Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower
gear.
If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift one gear at a time and will utilize the
braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the downshift will not occur until
the speed has decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
If you slow to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
Shiftlock - Neutral ( N)
If the gear selector is in the N position and the vehicle has been stationary for at least 3 seconds (irrespective of
whether the engine is running) then the gear selector is locked.
To be able to move the gear selector from N to another gear position, the brake pedal must be depressed and the
ignition must be in position II , see page 80
.
Manual release
1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Insert the remote key in the ignition slot.
3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
4. Pull the parking brake control.
Vehicles with Keyless drive (option)
1. Press the START/STOP ENGINE button.
2. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
3. Pull the parking brake control.
Automatic release
1. Start the engine.
2. Fasten the seat belt.
NOTE
For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engine is running and the driver is
wearing a seat belt.
The electric parking brake will be released immediately when the accelerator pedal is pressed and the gear selector
is in position D or P.
3. Move the gear selector to position D or R and press the accelerator pedal. The parking brake will release when the
vehicle begins to move.
Heavy load uphill
A heavy load, such as a trailer, can cause the vehicle to roll backward when the parking brake is released
automatically on a steep incline. To help avoid this:
1. Keep the electric parking brake lever pushed in with the left hand while shifting into Drive with the right.
2. While pressing the throttle pedal to pull away, release the parking brake lever only after the vehicle begins to move.
Symbols
READ - access to the list of messages and message confirmation.
Thumbwheel - browse among menus and options in the list of functions.
RESET - reset the active function. Used in certain cases to select/activate a function, see the explanation under each
respective function.
The menus shown on the information displays in the instrument panel are controlled with the left lever. The menus
shown depend on ignition mode. Press READ to erase a message and return to the menus.
Menu overview
Driving distance on current fuel reserve
Average
Instantaneous:
Average speed
Current speed in mph (Canadian models only)
DSTC
Message
When a warning, information or indicator symbol comes on, a corresponding message appears on the information
display. An error message is stored in a memory list until the fault is rectified.
Press READ to acknowledge and scroll among the messages.
NOTE
If a warning message appears while you are using the trip computer, the message must be read and confirmed by
pressing READ before the previous activity can be resumed.
125 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Menus and messages