29. Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Display
This display shows the EVIC mes-
sages when the appropriate condi-
tions exist. Refer to “Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC)” for
further information.
30. Rear Fog Light IndicatorThis indicator will illuminate
when the rear fog lights are
on.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE
INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC)
The Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) features a driver-
interactive display that is located in
the instrument cluster. The EVIC consists of the following:
Compass Heading Display (N, S, E,
W, NE, NW, SE, SW)
Average Fuel Economy
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
Elapsed Time
Display Units
System Warnings (Door Ajar, etc.)
Personal Settings (Customer- Programmable Features)
Outside Temperature Display (°F or °C)
Audio Mode Displays – 12 preset Radio Stations or CD Title and
Track number when playing
The system allows the driver to select
information by pressing the following
buttons mounted on the steering
wheel: MENU Button
Press and release the
MENU button to advance
the display to each of the
EVIC Main Menu features.
Upon reaching the last item in the
Main Menu the EVIC will advance to
the first item in the Main Menu with
the next MENU button press and re-
lease. Press and release the MENU
button to return to the Main Menu
from a sub-menu.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
EVIC Steering Wheel Buttons
115
STEERING WHEEL
AUDIO CONTROLS
The remote sound system controls are
located on the rear surface of the
steering wheel, at the three and nine
o'clock positions.
Theright-hand rocker switch has a
pushbutton in the center, and controls
the volume and mode of the sound
system. Pressing the top of the rocker
switch will increase the volume.
Pressing the bottom of the rocker
switch will decrease the volume.
Pressing the center button changes
the operation of the radio from MW to
LW, or to CD mode, depending on
which radio is in the vehicle. The left-hand rocker switch has a
pushbutton in the center. The func-
tion of the left-hand switch is differ-
ent, depending on which mode you
are in.
The following describes the left-hand
rocker switch operation in each mode.
RADIO OPERATION
Pressing the top of the switch will
SEEK up for the next listenable sta-
tion, and pressing the bottom of the
switch will SEEK down for the next
listenable station.
The button located in the center of the
left-hand switch will tune to the next
preset station that you have pro-
grammed in the radio preset pushbut-
ton.
CD PLAYER
Pressing the top of the switch once
will go to the next track on the CD.
Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current
track, or to the beginning of the pre-
vious track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
If you press the switch up or down
twice it plays the second track; three
times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left-
hand switch has no function in this
mode.
RADIO OPERATION AND
MOBILE PHONES
Under certain conditions, the mobile
phone being on in your vehicle can
cause erratic or noisy performance
from your radio. This condition may
be lessened or eliminated by relocat-
ing the mobile phone antenna. This
condition is not harmful to the radio.
If your radio performance does not
satisfactorily “clear” by the reposi-
tioning of the antenna, it is recom-
mended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during mobile
phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The air conditioning and heating sys-
tem is designed to make you comfort-
able in all types of weather.Remote Sound System Controls (Back
View Of Steering Wheel)
123
AUTOMATIC
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
(ATC)
Automatic Operation
The Automatic Temperature Control
system automatically maintains the
climate in the cabin of the vehicle at
the comfort levels desired by the
driver and passenger.
Operation of the system is quite
simple.
1. Turn the Mode Control knob (on
the right) and the Blower Control
knob (on the left) to AUTO.
NOTE:
The AUTO position performs best
for front seat occupants only.2.
Dial in the tem-
perature you would
like the system to
maintain by rotat-
ing the Tempera-
ture Control knob.
Once the comfort
level is selected, the system will main-
tain that level automatically using the
heating system. Should the desired
comfort level require air conditioning,
the system will automatically make the
adjustment.
You will experience the greatest effi-
ciency by simply allowing the system
to function automatically. Selecting
the “O” (OFF) position on the blower
control stops the system completely
and closes the outside air intake.
The recommended setting for maxi-
mum comfort is 72°F (22°C) for the
average person; however, this may
vary.
NOTE:
The temperature setting can be adjusted at anytime without af-
fecting automatic operation. Pressing the Air Conditioning
Control button while in AUTO
mode will cause the LED in the
control button to flash three
times and then turn off. This in-
dicates that the system is in
AUTO mode and requesting the
air conditioning is not neces-
sary.
If your air conditioning perfor- mance seems lower than ex-
pected, check the front of the
A/C condenser located in front
of the radiator for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with
a gentle water spray from the
front of the radiator and through
the condenser.
Blower Control
For full automatic
operation or for au-
tomatic blower op-
eration, turn the
knob to the AUTO
position. In manual
mode there are
seven blower speeds that can be indi-
vidual selected. In off position the
blower will shut off.
Automatic Temperature Control
124
The operator can override the AUTO
mode setting to change airflow distri-
bution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the fol-
lowing positions.
PanelAir is directed through the outlets
in the instrument panel. These
outlets can be adjusted to direct
airflow.
NOTE:
The center instrument panel out-
lets can be aimed so that they are
directed toward the rear seat pas-
sengers for maximum airflow to
the rear.
Bi-Level Air is directed through the panel
and floor outlets.
NOTE:
For all settings, except full cold or
full hot, there is a difference in
temperature between the upper
and lower outlets. The warmer air
flows to the floor outlets. This fea-
ture gives improved comfort dur-
ing sunny but cool conditions. Floor
Air is directed through the floor
outlets with a small amount
flowing through the defrost and
side window demist outlets.
Mix Air is directed through the floor,
defrost, and side window demist
outlets. This setting works best
in cold or snowy conditions that re-
quire extra heat to 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 maximum blower and tempera-
ture settings for best windshield and
side window defrosting. Air Conditioner Control
Press this button to
turn on the air con-
ditioning during
manual operation
only. When the air
conditioning is
turned on, cool de-
humidified air will flow through the
outlets selected with the Mode control
dial. Press this button a second time to
turn OFF the air conditioning. An
LED in the button illuminates when
manual compressor operation is se-
lected.
Recirculation Control The system will automati-
cally control recirculation.
However, pressing the Re-
circulation Control button
will put the system in recirculation
mode. This can be used when outside
conditions such as smoke, odors, dust,
or high humidity are present. Activat-
ing recirculation will cause the LED
in the control button to illuminate.126
NOTE:
When the ignition switch isturned to the LOCK position, the
recirculation feature will be
cancelled.
In cold weather, use of the Recir- culation mode may lead to ex-
cessive window fogging. The Re-
circulation mode is not allowed
in the floor, defrost, or defrost/
floor mode in order to improve
window clearing. Recirculation
will be disabled automatically if
these modes are selected.
Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows to fog. If
the interior of the windows be-
gins to fog, press the Recircula-
tion button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity condi-
tions will cause captured inte-
rior air to condense on windows
and hamper visibility. For this
reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected
while in defrost mode. Attempt-
ing to use the recirculation while
in this mode will cause the LED in the control button to blink
and then turn off.
Most of the time, when in Auto- matic Operation, you can tem-
porarily put the system into Re-
circulation Mode by pressing the
Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while
in Automatic Mode, the system is
blowing air out the defrost vents.
When these conditions are pres-
ent, and the Recirculation but-
ton is pressed, the indicator will
flash and then turn off. This tells
you that you are unable to go
into Recirculation Mode at this
time. If you would like the sys-
tem to go into Recirculation
Mode, you must first move the
Mode knob to Panel, Bi-Level,
or Mix, and then press the Recir-
culation button. This feature re-
duces the possibility of window
fogging. OPERATING TIPS
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this
section for suggested control set-
tings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-
conditioned vehicles must be pro-
tected with a high-quality antifreeze
coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against en-
gine overheating. A solution of 50%
ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant and
50% water is recommended. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for proper cool-
ant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode dur-
ing winter months is not recom-
mended because it may cause window
fogging.
127
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or
keep it out of service (i.e., vacation)
for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high
blower settings. This will ensure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize
the possibility of compressor damage
when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can
be quickly removed by turning the
mode selector to Defrost. The Defrost/
Floor mode can be used to maintain a
clear windshield and provide suffi-
cient heating. If side window fogging
becomes a problem, increase blower
speed. Vehicle windows tend to fog on
the inside in mild but rainy or humid
weather.NOTE:
Recirculate without A/C should
not be used for long periods as
fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is lo-
cated at each end of the instrument
panel. These non-adjustable outlets
direct air toward the side windows
when the system is in the FLOOR,
MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is
directed at the area of the windows
through which you view the outside
mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located di-
rectly in front of the windshield, is
free of obstructions such as leaves.
Leaves collected in the air intake may
reduce airflow, and if they enter the
plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In winter months, make sure
the air intake is clear of ice, slush, and
snow.A/C Air Filter
The A/C Filter prevents most dust
and pollen from entering the cabin.
The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated
air within the passenger compart-
ment. Refer to “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for A/C Air Filter service information
or see your authorized dealer for ser-
vice. Refer to “Maintenance Sched-
ules” for filter service intervals.
128
mode (refer to “AutoStick®” in
“Starting And Operating” for further
information) to select a lower gear.
Under these conditions, using a lower
gear will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmis-
sion operation may be modified de-
pending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed.
This feature improves warm up time
of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engage-
ment of the torque converter clutch is
inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this
section). During extremely cold tem-
peratures (27°C or below), operation
may briefly be limited to third gear
only. Normal operation will resume
once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage,Transmission Limp Home Mode is ac-
tivated. In this mode, the transmis-
sion remains in third gear regardless
of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL
will continue to operate. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may
be illuminated. Limp Home Mode al-
lows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem,
the transmission can be reset to regain
all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If
the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal op-
eration.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be
reset, we recommend that you visit
an authorized dealer at your earli-
est possible convenience. Your au-
thorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to determine if the
problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset,
authorized dealer service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes
an electronically controlled Overdrive
(sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive
gear if the following conditions are
present:
the shift lever is in the DRIVE po-
sition,
the transmission fluid has reached an adequate temperature,
the engine coolant has reached an adequate temperature,
vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
140
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel
economy has been included in the au-
tomatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter
engages automatically at calibrated
speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during
normal operation in the upper gears.
When the vehicle speed drops or dur-
ing some accelerations, the clutch au-
tomatically disengages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will
not engage until the transmission
fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 2 to 5 km of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting into
Overdrive when cold. This is nor-
mal. Using the AutoStick® feature,
when the transmission is suffi-
ciently warm, will demonstrate
that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of Overdrive.AUTOSTICK®
AutoStick® is a driver-interactive
feature providing manual shift con-
trol, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick® allows you to
maximize engine braking, eliminate
undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle perfor-
mance. This system can also provide
you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, and many other
situations.
OPERATION
When the shift lever is in the
AutoStick® position (below the
DRIVE position), it can be moved
from side to side. This allows the
driver to manually select the trans-
mission gear being used. Moving the
shift lever to the left (-) triggers a
downshift and to the right (+) an up-
shift. The gear position will display in
the instrument cluster on the trans-
mission range indicator.
NOTE:
In AutoStick® mode, the transmis-
sion will only shift up or down
when the driver moves the shift
lever to the right (+) or left (-), or as
described below.
AutoStick® is deactivated when the
shift lever is moved from the
AutoStick (+/-) position into the
DRIVE position.
GENERAL INFORMATION
You can start out, from a stop, in
any gear except sixth. The system
will ignore attempts to upshift at
too low of a vehicle speed.
If a ratio other than first gear is selected, and the vehicle is brought
to a stop, the transmission control
logic will automatically select the
first gear ratio.
Starting out in second gear is help- ful in snowy or icy conditions. To
select second gear after the vehicle
is brought to a stop, tap the shift
lever to the right (+) once.
Avoid using speed control when AutoStick® is engaged.
141