POWER CONVERTIBLE
TOP USAGE PRECAUTIONS
NOTE:
The convertible top will not op-erate unless the vehicle is sta-
tionary, the cargo shield is posi-
tioned correctly, and the trunk
lid is closed and latched. In ad-
dition, the system is prohibited
from opening when the ambient
temperature is below 18°C.
The top system is prohibited from closing when the ambient
temperature is below 40°C.
Do not attempt to lower the top when frost, ice, or snow may be
present, this could cause dam-
age or prevent the top from stow-
ing completely.
The Power Top Control Module (PTCM) monitors and controls
lowering and raising of the top.
A series of micro-switches verify
that operations are complete be-
fore allowing the next stage of
lowering or raising operation. Opening and closing the top
consecutively without the engine
running may run the battery
down.
If a fluttering noise is heard from the rear seat belts while driving
with the top down, safely bring
the vehicle to a stop and buckle
the rear seat belts over the empty
seats. This will keep tension on
the seat belts and remove the
fluttering condition.
CAUTION!
Correctly position the cargo shieldin the trunk before stowing the
top. Doing so closes a switch that
allows top operation (stowing) to
proceed. If the switch is not
closed, a warning message dis-
plays in the instrument cluster to
notify the driver.
Always place items carefully into
the trunk.
Do not push items too far into the
trunk, particularly when the top is
retracted into its stowage area in
the trunk.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
Do not use the area on top of the
tonneau cover for storage.
Failure to follow these cautions can
cause damage to the convertible top
components, trunk contents, cargo
shield, and the vehicle interior.CAUTION!
Before operating the power top:
Always check on top of the ton-
neau cover area to be sure that it is
clear of debris or other items.
Make sure the ambient tempera-
ture is above 18°C if you want to
open the top.
Make sure the ambient tempera-
ture is above 40°C if you want to
close to the top.
Never attempt to lower a frozen
convertible top. Wait until the top
is thawed before lowering it into
the stowage compartment. Low-
ering a cloth top at temperatures
below 0°C should be avoided.
(Continued)
54
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTIONS
1. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading be-
low theH(red) mark of the gauge
shows that the engine cooling system
is operating properly. The gauge
pointer may show a higher than nor-
mal temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, in
heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to the H(red)
mark, the instrument cluster will
sound a chime. Pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the
pointer drops back into the normal
range. If the pointer remains on the H
(red) mark, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.
There are steps that you can take to
slow down an impending overheat
condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning
system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning off the A/C re- moves this heat. You can also turn the
Temperature control to maximum
heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows
the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing
heat from the engine cooling system.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
This is a reminder that the
Fuel Filler Door is located
on the left side of the ve-
hicle.
3. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position, the pointer will
show the level of fuel remaining in the
fuel tank.
4. Speedometer
Indicates the vehicle speed in miles
per hour (MPH) and kilometers per
hour (km/h). 5. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to ap-
proximately 7.6 Liters, the fuel
symbol will light and a single
chime will sound.
NOTE:
This light will remain on until a
minimum of approximately 11 Li-
ters of fuel is added.
6. Charging System Light This light shows the status of
the electrical charging system.
The light should come on briefly when
the ignition is first turned on and re-
main on briefly as a bulb check. If the
light stays on or comes on while driv-
ing, turn off some of the vehicle'selec-
trical devices, such as the Front Fog
Lights or Rear Window Defroster. If
the Charging System Light remains
on, it means that the vehicle is expe-
riencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDI-
ATELY. See your local authorized
dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to
“Jump Starting Procedures” in “What
To Do In Emergencies”.
107
15. Cruise IndicatorThis indicator shows that
the Electronic Speed Con-
trol System is ON.
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset
Button
Trip Odometer
Press and release this button to
change the display from odometer to
“Trip A.” Press and release it a second
time to change the display to “Trip
B.” Press and release it a third time to
change the display back to the odom-
eter.
To reset the trip odometer, first dis-
play the trip mileage that you want to
reset, “Trip A” or “Trip B.” Then push
and hold the button (approximately
2 seconds) until the display resets to
0 miles (km). The odometer must be
in Trip Mode to reset the trip odom-
eter. 17. Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) Indicator Light
This light informs you of a
problem with the Electronic
Throttle Control (ETC)
system. If a problem is de-
tected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains
lit with the engine running, your ve-
hicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, however see your autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as pos-
sible.
If the light is flashing when the engine
is running you may experience power
loss, an elevated/rough idle, and in-
creased brake pedal effort, and your
vehicle may require towing. Immedi-
ate service is required.
The light will come on when the igni-
tion switch is first turned on and re-
main on approximately 15 seconds as
a bulb check. This is normal. If the
light does not come on during start-
ing, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer. 18. Park/Headlight ON Indicator
This indicator will illumi-
nate when the park lights or
headlights are turned on.
19. Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) OFF Indicator Light This light indicates the
Electronic Stability Control
system (ESC) has been
turned off by the driver.
20. Turn Signal Indicators The arrows will flash in uni-
son with the exterior turn
signal, when using the turn
signal lever. A chime will
sound if the vehicle is driven more
than 1.6 km with either turn signal
on.
NOTE:
If either indicator flashes at a
rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
111
Certain conditions, such as a loose or
missing gas cap, poor fuel quality,
etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be
serviced if the light stays on through
several of your typical driving cycles.
In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and will not require
towing.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on
could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect
fuel economy and drivability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will
soon occur. Immediate service is re-
quired.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic con-
verter, as referenced above, can
reach higher temperatures than in
normal operating conditions. This
can cause a fire if you drive slowly or
park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard,
etc. This could result in death or
serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
27. Transmission Temperature
Warning Light This light indicates that the
transmission fluid tempera-
ture is running hot. This
may occur with severe us-
age, such as trailer towing. If this light
turns on, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and run the engine at
idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light
illuminated will eventually cause se-
vere transmission damage or trans-
mission failure.WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light is illuminated and
you continue operating the vehicle,
in some circumstances you could
cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
28. High Beam Indicator This light indicates that the
headlights are on high beam.
Pull the turn signal lever to-
ward the steering wheel to switch the
headlights to low beam.
114
METHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
ETHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
CLEAN AIR GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
MMT IN GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . 160
ADDING FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 FUEL FILLER CAP (GAS CAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE . . . . . . 161
VEHICLE LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL . . . . . . . . 161
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING(GVWR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) . . . . 162
OVERLOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
TRAILER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
RECREATIONAL TOWING – ALL MODELS . . 163
133
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever outof PARK, you must turn the igni-
tion switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position,
and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the shift le-
ver could result.
DO NOT race the engine when
shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL
into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be
used to ensure that you have engaged
the shift lever into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, move the shift lever all the way forward and
to the left until it stops and is fully
seated.
Look at the shift lever position dis- play and verify that it indicates the
PARK position.
With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever will not move out
of PARK. REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle
backward. Shift into REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when vehicle is stand-
ing for prolonged periods with engine
running. The engine may be started in
this range. Set the parking brake and
shift the transmission into PARK if
you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and
never turn off the ignition to coast
down a hill. These are unsafe prac-
tices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions.
You might lose control of the vehicle
and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or
driving for any other reason with the
transmission in NEUTRAL can re-
sult in severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in
What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most
city and highway driving. It provides
the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts
through underdrive first, second,
third, and fourth gears, direct fifth
gear and overdrive sixth gear. The
DRIVE position provides optimum
driving characteristics under all nor-
mal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting
occurs (such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into
strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the AutoStick®
139
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of Vehicle
Month Day and Hour of Manufac- ture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scan-
ner to read the Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
RATING (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable
weight of your vehicle. This includes
driver, passengers, and cargo. The to-
tal load must be limited so that you do
not exceed the GVWR.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT
RATING (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity
of the front and rear axles. Distribute
the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the
vehicle, it is important that you do
not exceed the maximum front or
rear GAWR. A dangerous driving
condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of
the vehicle and have a collision.
OVERLOADING
The load carrying components (axle,
springs, tires, wheels, etc.) of your
vehicle will provide satisfactory ser-
vice as long as you do not exceed the
GVWR and front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total
weight of your vehicle is to weigh it
when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial
scale to ensure that it is not over the
GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and
rear of the vehicle separately. It is
important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles. Overloading can cause potential
safety hazards and shorten useful ser-
vice life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily in-
crease the
vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first
figure out its empty weight, axle by
axle and side by side. Store heavier
items down low and be sure you dis-
tribute their weight as evenly as pos-
sible. Stow all loose items securely
before driving. If weighing the loaded
vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either GAWR, but the total load is
within the specified GVWR, you must
redistribute the weight. Improper
weight distribution can have an ad-
verse effect on the way your vehicle
steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not
recommended.
162
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the
Ground All Models
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK
RECREATIONAL TOWING –
ALL MODELS
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY
if the front wheels are OFF the
ground. This may be accomplished
using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If
using a tow dolly, follow this proce-
dure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the
tow vehicle, following the dolly
manufactur er's instructions. 2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow
dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake.
Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to
the dolly, following the dolly
manu-
factur er's instructions.
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle.
Damage to the drivetrain will r e-
sult.
Towing this vehicle in violation of
the above requirements can cause
severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
163