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WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
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If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Press and hold the clutch pedal
to the floor, then put the
gearshift lever in the N (Neutral)
position.
3. Turn the key to 4 (on) without
turning the key to 5 (start).
If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:
•front wheels are turned
•front wheel is against the curb
•steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1
2
34
5
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Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Note:The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake.
Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
P!
BRAKE
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BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown and the brakelamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):
1. Apply the parking brake, and turn
the ignition to the on position.
2. Remove the lower trim panel
under the steering column. Make
sure not disturb the wires on the
electrical connector.
3. Locate the BSI solenoid
underneath the steering column.
4. With your hand, pull back on the
solenoid, and at the same time, shift
the transmission into N (Neutral).
5. Start the vehicle.
See your authorized dealer as
soon as possible if this
procedure is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the lock
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the lock
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
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D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through five.
D (Drive) without Overdrive
D (Drive) with Overdrive can be
deactivated by pressing the
transmission control switch on the
end of the gearshift lever.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic where continuous shifting in and
out of overdrive occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and
when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Drive) with Overdrive or D (Drive) without Overdrive.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
O/D
ON/OFF
O/D
OFF
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents
cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is
fully set.
2. Press and hold the clutch pedal
to the floor, then put the gearshift
lever in the neutral position.
3. Start the engine.
4. Press the brake pedal and move
the gearshift lever to the desired
gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
5. Release the parking brake, then
slowly release the clutch pedal while
slowly pressing on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal
must be fully pressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly
positioned so it doesn’t interfere
with the full extension of the clutch
pedal.
Failure to fully press the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission
components or damage the transmission.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the
clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will severely reduce the life of the clutch and
could nullify a clutch warranty claim.
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Recommended shift speeds
Upshift and downshift according to the following charts:
Upshifts when accelerating (for best fuel economy)
Shift from:Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
1 - 2 10 mph (14 km/h) 4 mph (5 km/h)
2 - 3 22 mph (32 km/h) 9 mph (11 km/h)
3 - 4 33 mph (50 km/h) 13 mph (19 km/h)
4 - 5 (Overdrive) 41 mph (71 km/h) 17 mph (27 km/h)
Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
1 - 2 10 mph (16 km/h) 4 mph (6 km/h)
2 - 3 19 mph (26 km/h) 8 mph (10 km/h)
3 - 4 28 mph (43 km/h) 12 mph (16 km/h)
4 - 5 (Overdrive) 40 mph (68 km/h) 16 mph (26 km/h)
Maximum downshift speeds
Shift from:Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
5 (Overdrive) - 4 55 mph (88 km/h) 22 mph (34 km/h)
4 - 3 45 mph (72 km/h) 18 mph (27 km/h)
3 - 2 35 mph (56 km/h) 14 mph (21 km/h)
2 - 1 20 mph (32 km/h) 8 mph (11 km/h)
Reverse
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at
a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so
may damage the transmission.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the
neutral position and wait at least
three seconds before shifting into R
(Reverse).
Note:The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving
it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
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