
RESET Mode
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission shifts automatically into sec-
ond gear. The transmission remains in second gear
despite the forward gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL will continue to operate. This second gear
limp-in feature allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears:
1. Stop the vehicle and move the shift lever into PARK.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF then restart the engine.
3. Move the shift lever into DRIVE and resume driving.
4. If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit an authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, and then move the
shift lever into the PARK position.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 197

To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emissions system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer if that gasoline
contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 239

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and doing so will cause the malfunction
indicator light to turn on.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) in the
instrument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not
secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will be displayed in the Odometer/
Trip Odometer in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Description” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information. Tighten the fuel
filler cap properly and press the odometer/trip odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
continues, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 243

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). OBD
II will also store diagnostic codes and other information
to assist an authorized service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperlyinstalled, or damaged. A “gASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until a
clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that
the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 210
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 294
Adding Fuel ........................... 241
Additives, Fuel ......................... 239
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 285
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 287
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 180
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 185
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............287,288
Air Conditioning System ................180,287
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 224
Airbag ................................ 46
Airbag Deployment ....................... 58
Airbag Light ....................... 61,75,153
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 60
Airbag, Side ............................ 56
Alarm Light ........................... 152
Alarm, Panic ............................ 22 Alarm System (Security Alarm)
............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 178
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........293,316,317
Capacities ........................... 316
Disposal ............................ 296
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 210
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 153
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 302
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 32
Automatic Door Locks ................... 28,29
Automatic Transaxle ..............12,192,194,299
Adding Fluid ......................... 300
Filter ............................... 301
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 301
Fluid Level Check ..................... 300
Interlock System ..................... 15,196
Reset Mode .......................... 197
350 INDEX

Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 23
Transporting Pets ........................ 72
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 228
Trip Computer .......................... 155
Trip Odometer .......................... 146
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 149
Tumbling Rear Seat (Sedan) ................. 93
Turn Signals ......................... 104,149
Understanding Your Instrument Panel ......... 140
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 346
Universal Transmitter ..................... 115
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 237
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt .............. 42
Vanity Mirrors ........................... 84
Variance, Compass ....................... 156
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 244 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 220,244,245
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ......................... 311
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .......... 18
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description) ............. 143
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 344
Washers, Windshield .................. 106,109
Washing Vehicle ......................... 303
Water Driving Through ...................... 203
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 304
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care ................ 304
Wind Buffeting ....................... 33,123
Window Fogging ........................ 186
Windows .............................. 31
10
INDEX 365