A WORD ABOUT YOUR
KEYSThe authorized dealer that sold you
your vehicle has the key code numbers
for your vehicle locks. These numbers
can be used to order duplicate keys
from your authorized dealer. Ask your
authorized dealer for these numbers
and keep them in a safe place.You can insert the double-sided keys
into the locks with either side up.
IGNITION KEY REMOVAL
Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn
the ignition switch to the ACC posi-
tion, push the key and cylinder in-
ward, rotate the key to the LOCK
position, and remove the key.NOTE:
If you try to remove the key be-
fore you place the shift lever in
PARK, the key may become
trapped temporarily in the igni-
tion switch lock cylinder. If this
occurs, rotate the key to the right
slightly, then remove the key as
described. If a malfunction oc-
curs, the system will trap the key
in the ignition switch lock cylin-
der to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The en-
gine can be started and stopped,
but the key cannot be removed
until you obtain service.
The power window switches, radio,
hands-free system , and power out-
lets will remain active for up to
10 minutes after the ignition switch
is turned to the LOCK position.
Opening either front door will
cancel this feature. The time for
this feature is programmable. Re-
fer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)/Personal Set-
tings (Customer-Programmable
Features)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always
apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and
push ignition button to place ig-
nition in OFF position. When
leaving the vehicle, always lock
your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle.
(Continued)
Vehicle Key
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON/RUN
2 — ACC
(ACCESSORY)4 — START
12
on when the brake fluid level in the
master cylinder has dropped below a
specified level.
The light will remain on until the
cause is corrected.
NOTE: The light may flash mo-
mentarily during sharp cornering
maneuvers which change fluid
level conditions. The vehicle
should have service performed,
and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immedi-
ate repair is necessary.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake
light on is dangerous. Part of the
brake system may have failed. It
will take longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock
brakes (ABS), are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD). In the event of an EBD failure,
the Brake Warning Light will turn on
along with the ABS Light. Immediate
repair to the ABS system is required. The operation of the Brake Warning
Light can be checked by turning the
ignition switch from the OFF position
to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately
three seconds. The light should then
turn off unless the parking brake is
applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized
dealer.
The light also will turn on when the
parking brake is applied with the igni-
tion switch in the ON/RUN position.NOTE: This light shows only
that the parking brake is applied.
It does not show the degree of
brake application.
12. Tachometer
The silver area of the scale shows the
permissible engine revolutions-per-
minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear
range. Before reaching the red area,
ease up on the accelerator to prevent
engine damage.
13. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-
contained within the instrument clus-
ter. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
NOTE: You must apply the
brakes before shifting from PARK.
14. Odometer Display/Trip Odom-
eter Display
The odometer display shows the total
distance the vehicle has been driven.
The two trip odometers show indi-
vidual trip mileage. To switch from
odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the Trip Odometer button. To
reset a trip odometer, display the de-
sired trip odometer to be reset then
push and hold the button until the
display resets (approximately 2 sec-
onds). Refer to “Trip Odometer But-
ton” for additional information.
113
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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
NORMAL STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
AFTER STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK . . . . . . . . .142
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFTINTERLOCK SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . .142
GEAR RANGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
AUTOSTICK® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES . . . . . . . . . .148
ACCELERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
TRACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
DRIVING THROUGH WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
FLOWING/RISING WATER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
SHALLOW STANDING WATER. . . . . . . . . . . . .149
PARKING BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . . . .151
137
STARTING
PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust
your seat, adjust the inside and out-
side mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and
if present, instruct all other occupants
to buckle their seat belts.WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, alwaysremove 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, 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. AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
The shift lever must be in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position before you can
start the engine. Apply the brakes be-
fore shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE: The ignition switch must
be in the ON position, and you
must press the brake pedal before
shifting out of PARK.
NORMAL STARTING
NOTE: Normal starting of either a
cold or a warm engine is obtained
without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the
starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is run-
ning. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in
10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO
START
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flam-
mable liquids into the throttle
body air inlet opening in an at-
tempt to start the vehicle. This
could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your
vehicle to get it started. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the ve-
hicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to ob-
tain a start from a booster battery
or the battery in another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous
if done improperly. Refer to “Jump
Starting” in “In An Emergency”
for further information.
140
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
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