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 cargoshield in the trunk before stowing
the top. Doing so closes a switch
that allows top operation (stow-
ing) to proceed. If the switch is
not closed, a warning message
displays 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.
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.
Make sure the convertible top is dry
before lowering it into the stowage
compartment. Lowering the top
when damp, wet, or dirty can cause
stains, mildew, and damage to the
inside of your vehicle.
(Continued)
56
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 vehicle.
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
approximately 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 Liters 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's elec-
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”.
111
15. Cruise IndicatorThis indicator shows that
the Electronic Speed Con-
trol System is ON.
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset
Button
Trip OdometerPress 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 odometer.
To reset the trip odometer, first display
the trip mileage that you want to reset,
“Trip A” or “Trip B.” Then push and
hold the button (approximately 2 sec-
onds) until the display resets to 0 miles
(km). The odometer must be in Trip
Mode to reset the trip odometer.
17. Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) Indicator Light
This light informs you of a
problem with the Electronic
Throttle Control (ETC) sys-
tem. If a problem is detected,
the light will come on while the engine is
running. If the light remains lit with the
engine running, your vehicle will usu-
ally be drivable and not need towing,
however see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
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 defec-
tive outside light bulb.
21. Front Fog Light Indicator
This indicator will illuminate
when the front fog lights are on.
115
26. Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is part of an on-
board diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions,
engine, and automatic transmission
control systems. The light will illumi-
nate when the key is in the ON/RUN
position before engine start. If the
bulb does not come on when turning
the key from LOCK to ON/RUN, have
the condition checked promptly.
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
converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service
is required.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, card-
board, etc. This could result in
death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants 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.
118
ADDING FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167 FUEL FILLER CAP (GAS CAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE . . . . . . .168
TRAILER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
RECREATIONAL TOWING – ALL MODELS . . .169
139
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 ve-
hicle and have a collision.CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or
driving for any other reason with
the transmission in NEUTRAL can
cause 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, or traveling into
strong head winds), use the
AutoStick® shift control (refer to
“AutoStick®” in this section for fur-
ther information) to select a lower
gear. Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance
and extend transmission life by re-
ducing 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.
145
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system oremission control system could re-
sult from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” to turn on.
To avoid fuel spillage and over- filling, do not “top off” the fuel
tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.WARNING!
Never have any smoking materi-als lit in or near the vehicle when
the gas cap is removed or the tank
is being filled.
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 MIL in
the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured
properly. Make sure that the gas
cap is tightened 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 deter-
mines that the fuel filler cap is loose,
improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GAS CAP” message will be
displayed in the EVIC (Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly
and press the odometer reset button to
turn the message off. If the problem
continues, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started.
Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic Sys-
tem” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
NOTE: If the gas cap is lost or
damaged, be sure the replacement
cap is for use with this vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not
recommended.
168
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the
Ground All Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
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 procedure:1. Properly secure the dolly to the
tow vehicle, following the dolly
manufacturer'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-
facturer's instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle.
Damage to the drivetrain will re-
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.
169