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Second (2)-This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshift to first gear when
you come to a stop.
Use second gear:
● For more power when climbing.
● To increase engine braking when
going down steep hills.
● For starting out on a slippery
surface or in deep snow.
● To help reduce wheel spin.
● When driving downhill with a trailer. First (1)
-This position locks the
transmission in first gear. By
upshifting and downshifting through
1, 2, D3, and D, you can operate the
transmission much like a manual
transmission without a clutch pedal.
Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. If this occurs,
you may feel the engine cut in and
out. This is caused by a limiter in the
engine's computer controls. The
engine will run normally when you
reduce the rpm below the red zone. Shift Lock Release
This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release button
does not work.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
CONTINUED
Automatic Transmission
221
Driving
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3. Put a cloth on the edge of the shiftlock release slot cover next to the
shift lever. Using a flat-tip
screwdriver, carefully pry on the
edge of the cover to remove it.4. Insert the key in the shift lockrelease slot.
5. Push down on the key while you press the release button on the
shift lever and move the shift lever
out of Park to neutral. 6. Remove the key from the shift lock
release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the right side. Press
the brake pedal, and restart the engine.
If you need to use the shift lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.
COVER
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
Automatic Transmission
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Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly, or your
vehicle may roll if it is parked on an incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
before you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle from
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in thetransmission.Parking Tips
● Make sure the windows areclosed.
● Turn off the lights.
● Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them withyou.
● Lock the doors and the hatch with
the key.
● Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire. ●
If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in first gear.
● If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in reversegear.
● Make sure the parking brake is
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Parking
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The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's speed
sounds normal, or even faster than
normal, when you turn the ignition
switch to the START (III) position,
but the engine does not run.● Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page 60).
● Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to Starting the
Engine on page 216. ●
Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.
● There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see
page 298).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find the
problem (see Emergency Towing
on page 303).
If the Engine Won't Start
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