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When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
•Turn Signal On (with a continuous warning chime)
•Left Front Turn Signal Lamp Out (with a single chime)
•Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp Out (with a single chime)
•Right Front Turn Signal Lamp Out (with a single
chime)
•Right Rear Turn Signal Lamp Out (with a single
chime)
•RKE Battery Low (with a single chime)
•Personal Settings Not Available – Vehicle Not In
(automatic transmission) or Vehicle Is In Motion
(manual transmission).
•Left/Right Front Door Ajar (one or more, with a single
chime, if speed is above 1 mph)
•Left/Right Rear Door Ajar (one or more, with a single
chime, if speed is above 1 mph)
•Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime, if vehicle is in
motion)
•Trunk Ajar (with a single chime)
•Headlights On
•Key In Ignition
EVIC Functions
Press the EVIC button until one of the following func-
tions are displayed on the EVIC:
•Compass/Temperature/Audio
•Average Fuel Economy
•Distance To Empty (DTE)
•Elapsed Time
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•Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
•Personal Settings
To Reset the Display
Pressing and holding the EVIC button once will clear the
resettable function currently being displayed. Reset will
only occur if a resettable function is currently beingdisplayed. To reset all resettable functions, press and
release the EVIC button a second time within three
seconds of resetting the currently-displayed function
(Reset ALL will be displayed during this three-second
window).
Compass/Temperature/Audio
Press and release the EVIC button to display one of eight
compass headings to indicate the direction the vehicle is
facing, the outside temperature, and the current radio
station.
For additional information regarding the compass, refer
to “Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures)” in this section.
Average 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
EVIC Button
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history information will be erased, and the averaging will
continue from where it was before the reset.
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be travelled 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. This is not resettable.
NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When 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 con-
tinue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a signifi-
cant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the LOW FUEL text and a new DTE value will be displayed, based
on the current values in the DTE calculation and the
current fuel tank level.Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset
when the ignition switch is in the ACC position. Elapsed
time will increment when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
Refer to Section 5 “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS),” for system operation.
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)
This allows the driver to set and recall features when the
shift lever is in PARK (automatic transmission) or the
vehicle is stopped (manual transmission).
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NOTE:There is a difference in temperature between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
Floor Air is directed through the floor outlets and side
window demist outlets with a small amount
through the defrost outlet.
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 at
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 fan and temperature settings for best windshield
and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes even if
the A/C button has not been pressed and the indicator
lamp is off. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the
windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these modes
only when necessary.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215
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Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 236
▫ Acceleration ........................ 236
▫ Traction ........................... 237
Driving Through Water ................. 237
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 238
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 238
Power Steering ....................... 240
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 241
Parking Brake ........................ 241
Brake System ........................ 243
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped ........................ 244
Traction Control System — If Equipped ...... 246
Tire Safety Information ................. 248
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 248
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 251
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 252
Tires — General Information ............. 256
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 256
Tire Chains .......................... 263
Snow Tires .......................... 264
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 264
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..... 265
▫ Base System ........................ 267
Fuel Requirements ..................... 270
▫ 2.4L And 2.4L Turbo Engines ............ 270
222 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Adding Fuel ......................... 274
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 274
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 276
Vehicle Loading ...................... 276
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 276
Trailer Towing ........................ 278
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 278
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 288
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 290
▫ Towing — Manual Transaxle ............ 290
▫ Towing — Automatic Transaxle .......... 290
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WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle 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 discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. Refer to
Section 6 of this manual for jump-starting instruc-
tions.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below20°F or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If The Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there. Crank the engine for no more than 15 seconds. This
should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
Leave the ignition key in the ON position, release the
accelerator pedal and repeat the “Normal Starting” pro-
cedure.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
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Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transaxle for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in Table 1.
Table 1 - Manual Transaxle Normal Acceleration andCruise Shift Speeds in MPH (km/h)
Engine Mode 1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.4L
Non-
Turbo Accel-
eration 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72)
Cruise 15 (24) 25 (40) 42 (68) 45 (72)
For improved performance, your manual transaxle may
be upshifted up to the maximum speeds listed in Table 2
(within legal speed limits).
Table 2 - Manual Transaxle Maximum Performance Shift Speeds in MPH (km/h)
Engine 1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.4L
Non-
Turbo 30 (48) 60 (97) 85 (136) 115 (185)
If you exceed these speeds, you may notice the engine cut
in and out. This is caused by an electronic limiter in the
engine computer. The engine will run normally when
you reduce engine speed.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING