If the engine fails to start after you have
followed the “Normal Starting” proce-
dure, it may be flooded. To clear any
excess fuel, push the accelerator pedal
all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the
START position and release it as soon as
the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 sec-
onds. Once this occurs, release the
accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to
15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter,
wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying
again.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed will automatically de-
crease as the engine warms up. AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may
occur if the following precautions
are not observed:
Shift into PARK only after the ve-
hicle has come to a complete stop. Shift into or out of REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop and the engine is
at idle speed.
Do not shift between PARK, RE-
VERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE
when the engine is above idle
speed.
Before shifting into any gear,
make sure your foot is firmly
pressing on the brake pedal.
NOTE: You MUST press and hold
the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine
speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of
the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling nor-
mally and your foot is firmly
pressing on the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a ve- hicle could injure those in and
near the vehicle. As with all ve-
hicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle, al-
ways apply the parking brake,
shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove
the ignition key. When the igni-
tion is in the OFF position, the
shift lever is locked in PARK, se-
curing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement. Furthermore,
(Continued)
141
WARNING!(Continued)
you should never leave children
alone in a vehicle, or with access
to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could
be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and do not leave a
vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle. KEY IGNITION PARK
INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key
Ignition Park Interlock which requires
the shift lever to be placed in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned
to the LOCK/OFF position. The key fob
can only be removed from the ignition
when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF
position and once removed the shift
lever is locked in PARK.NOTE: If a malfunction occurs,
the system will trap the key in the
ignition switch to warn you that
this safety feature is inoperable.
The engine can be started and
stopped, but the key cannot be re-
moved until you obtain service.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock System
(BTSI) that holds the shift lever in
PARK unless the brakes are applied. To move the shift lever out of PARK,
the ignition switch must be turned to
the ON/RUN position (engine run-
ning or not) and the brake pedal must
be pressed.
SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
The shift lever position display (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) indi-
cates the transmission gear range. You
must press the brake pedal to move
the shift lever out of PARK (refer to
“Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System” in this section). To drive,
move the shift lever from PARK or
NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmis-
sion provides a precise shift schedule.
The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts
on a new vehicle may be somewhat
abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a
few hundred kilometers.
Shift Lever
142
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or
REVERSE when the accelerator
pedal is released and the vehicle is
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
the brake pedal when shifting be-
tween these gears.The transmission shift lever has PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and
AutoStick® shift positions. Manual
shifts can be made using the
AutoStick® shift control (refer to
“AutoStick®” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” for further information). Moving
the shift lever to the left or right (-/+)
while in the AutoStick® position (below
the Drive position) will manually select
the transmission gear, and will display
the current gear in the instrument clus-
ter as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.GEAR RANGES
DO NOT race the engine when shift-
ing from PARK or NEUTRAL into
another gear range.NOTE: After selecting any gear
range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before ac-
celerating. This is especially im-
portant when the engine is cold.
PARK
This range supplements the parking
brake by locking the transmission.
The engine can be started in this
range. Never attempt to use PARK
while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you
may place the shift lever in PARK first,
and then apply the parking brake.When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake before placing the shift
lever in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the shift
lever out of PARK. As an added pre-
caution, turn the front wheels toward
the curb on a downhill grade and
away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a
substitute for the parking brake.
Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure
you and others if it is not com-
pletely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever rearward (with
the brake pedal released) after you
have placed it in PARK. Make sure
the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle. It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly pressing on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could acceler-
ate quickly forward or in reverse.
You could lose control of the ve-
hicle and hit someone or some-
thing. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and
your foot is firmly pressing the
brake pedal.
(Continued)
143
WARNING!(Continued)
Unintended movement of a ve- hicle could injure those in or near
the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Be-
fore exiting a vehicle, always ap-
ply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and re-
move the ignition key. Once the
key is removed, the shift lever is
locked in the PARK position, se-
curing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob and lock your
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and do not leave the
ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out
of 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 whenshifting from PARK or NEU-
TRAL 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, firmly 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 the vehicle is
standing for prolonged periods with
the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK if you must leave the
vehicle.
144
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully ap-
plied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The parking brake lever is located in
the center console. To apply the park-
ing brake, pull the lever up as firmly
as possible. To release the parking
brake, pull the lever up slightly, press
the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
When the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch ON, the
“Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.NOTE:
When the parking brake is ap-
plied and the transmission is
placed in gear, the “Brake Warn-
ing Light” will flash. If vehicle
speed is detected, a chime will
sound to alert the driver. Fully
release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does
not show the degree of brake
application.
When parking on a hill, it is important
to turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade.
Apply the parking brake before plac-
ing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be ap-
plied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake.
Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob from the igni-
tion and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving; failure
to do so can lead to brake failure
and a collision.
(Continued)
Parking Brake
150
WARNING!(Continued)
Always fully apply the parking
brake when leaving your vehicle
or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” re-
mains on with the parking brake
released, a brake system malfunc-
tion is indicated. Have the brake
system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability
and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system oper-
ates with a separate computer to
modulate the hydraulic pressure to
prevent wheel lock-up and avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces.
WARNING!
Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their effectiveness
and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping dis-
tance longer. Just press firmly on
your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle, nor can it in-
crease braking or steering effi-
ciency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent colli- sions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety
of others. The “Anti-Lock Brake
Warning Light” monitors
the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remains on or comes on while
driving, it indicates that the anti-lock
portion of the brake system is not func-
tioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake sys-
tem will continue to operate normally
if the “Brake Warning Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to re-
store the benefits of anti-lock brakes.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, have the bulb repaired as
soon as possible.
151
If both the “Brake Warning Light”
and the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remain on, the Anti-Lock
Brake (ABS) and Electronic Brake
Force Distribution (EBD) Systems are
not functioning. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required. See your
authorized dealer.
When the vehicle is driven over
11 km/h, you may hear a slight click-
ing sound as well as some related mo-
tor noises. These noises are the system
performing its self-check cycle to en-
sure that the ABS system is working
properly. This self check occurs each
time the vehicle is started and accel-
erated past 11 km/h.
ABS is activated during braking un-
der certain road or stopping condi-
tions. ABS-inducing conditions can
include ice, snow, gravel, bumps, rail-
road tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops.You also may experience the following
when the brake system goes into anti-
lock:
The ABS motor running (it may
continue to run for a short time
after the stop),
the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
brake pedal pulsations,
and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System con-
tains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible
to interference caused by improp-
erly installed or high output radio
transmitting equipment. This in-
terference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. In-
stallation of such equipment should
be performed by qualified profes-
sionals. All vehicle wheels and tires must be
the same size and type, and tires must
be properly inflated to produce accu-
rate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system
will give you good vehicle response
and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will pro-
vide mechanical steering capability if
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is
interrupted, it will still be possible to
steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial
increase in steering effort, especially
at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
Increased noise levels at the end
of the steering wheel travel are
considered normal and do not
indicate that there is a problem
with the power steering system.
152
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