
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the seat immediately.
If the airbag readiness light is lit, do not install a child
restraint or allow anyone to occupy the seat. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 4-24for important safety
information.
The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat.
If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.
{
WARNING:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
VehicleAirbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seeService Publications Ordering Information
on page 8-17.
{
WARNING:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
2-72

Restraint System CheckChecking the Restraint SystemsSafety BeltsNow and then, check that the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired. Torn
or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn
or frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 4-23for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 6-90.
AirbagsThe airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 4-24for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there
are any opened or broken airbag covers, have
the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbag modules, seeWhat
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 2-63. See
your dealer/retailer for service.
2-74

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{
WARNING:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in your
vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not
properly protect the person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a crash. To help
make sure your restraint systems are working
properly after a crash, have them inspected and
any necessary replacements made as soon as
possible.If the vehicle has been in a crash, do you need new
safety belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts?
After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.
If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being
used during a crash, you may need new LATCH system
parts.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was
not being used at the time of the crash.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the
vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light
stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are
driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 4-24.
2-75

The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been done or the vehicle’s
key is inserted into the ignition switch and turned to
ON/RUN.
To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following.•
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.
•
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
•
Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position
and then back to LOCK/OFF.
After the engine has been started two times, or one
time with a time extension, the vehicle’s ignition must
be turned to ON/RUN using the key before the remote
start procedure can be used again. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 3-20for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
•
The remote start system is disabled through the DIC.
•
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
•
The vehicle’s hood is open.
•
The hazard warning flashers are on.
•
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4-31.
•
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
•
The oil pressure is low.
•
The content theft-deterrent alarm has been activated.
•
Two remote vehicle starts, or one start with a time
extension, have already been provided for that
ignition cycle.
3-8

Trunk ReleaseTo open the trunk from the outside, press the trunk
release button on the RKE transmitter, if equipped.Remote Trunk Release
G
(Remote Trunk Release):Press the button
located next to the exterior lamps control on the left side
of the instrument panel to open the trunk. The shift
lever must be in P (Park).
The trunk can also be opened by lowering the rear seat
and pulling the emergency trunk release handle located
inside the trunk. SeeSplit Folding Rear Seat on
page 2-10and “Emergency Trunk Release Handle”
following.
Emergency Trunk Release HandleNotice:Do not use the emergency trunk release
handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing
items in the trunk as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release handle is only
intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the trunk from the inside.There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle located
on the latch inside the trunk. This handle will glow
following exposure to light. Pull the release handle to
open the trunk from the inside.
3-13

PASS-Key
®
III+ Electronic
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on page 8-20for
information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.PASS-Key
®
III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key
®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the key is
turned to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or START
from the LOCK/OFF position.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on when trying to
start the vehicle, there may be a problem with your
theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears
to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 6-96. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the first key may be
faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to learn
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.
3-18

See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1
stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within five seconds of turning
the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position in Step 3.
The security light will turn off once the key has been
programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key®III+ key, see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating Your
VehicleNew Vehicle Break-InNotice:The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:•
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
•
Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
•
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 5-28for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
3-19

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN
and the brake pedal must be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or break
the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the
way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer.A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission. This is the only position in
which the ignition key can be inserted or removed.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from left to
right while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is the position in which
you can operate the radio and windshield wipers
while the engine is off. To use ACC/ACCESSORY,
turn the key clockwise.
C (ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
3-20