
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

WARNING!(Continued)
Allowing children to be in a ve- hicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fa-
tally 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, or in a location
accessible to children, 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.
Do not leave children or animals
inside parked vehicles in hot
weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or
death.CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to
thieves. Always remove key from
the ignition and lock all doors when
leaving the vehicle unattended. KEY-IN-IGNITION
REMINDER
Opening the driver's door when the
key is in the ignition sounds a signal to
remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:
The Key-In-Ignition reminder
only sounds when the ignition
key is placed in the LOCK or
ACC position.
With either/both front doors open and a key in the ignition,
the power door lock buttons on
the interior trim panel are dis-
abled. This is an attempt to limit
locking the keys in the vehicle.
LOCKING THE DOORS
WITH THE KEY
There is only one external door lock
cylinder which is located in the driv-
er's door.
You can insert the key with either side
up. To lock the door, turn the key
clockwise. To unlock the door, turn
the key counterclockwise. For door lock lubrication, see “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” of this manual.
SENTRY KEY®
The Sentry Key® Immobilizer System
prevents unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion by disabling the engine. The sys-
tem does not need to be armed or
activated. Operation is automatic, re-
gardless of whether the vehicle is
locked or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys which
have an embedded electronic chip
(transponder) to prevent unauthor-
ized vehicle operation. Therefore,
only keys that are programmed to the
vehicle can be used to start and oper-
ate the vehicle. The system will shut
the engine off in two seconds if some-
one uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key which has not been
programmed is also considered an
invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for
that vehicle.
13

BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The recommended replacement bat-
tery is CR2032.
1. With the RKE transmitter buttons
facing down, use a flat blade to pry
the two halves of the RKE transmitter
apart. Make sure not to damage the
seal during removal.
2. Remove and replace the battery.
Avoid touching the new battery with
your fingers. Skin oils may cause bat-
tery deterioration. If you touch a bat-
tery, clean it with rubbing alcohol.
3. To assemble the RKE transmitter
case, snap the two halves together.DOOR LOCKS
MANUAL DOOR LOCKS
To lock each door, push the door lock
knob on each door trim panel down-
ward. To unlock each door, pull the
inside door handle.
If the door lock knob is down when
you shut the door, the door will lock.
Make sure the keys are not inside the
vehicle before closing the door.
WARNING!
For personal security and safety
in the event of an collision, lock
the vehicle doors as you drive as
well as when you park and leave
the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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 ve- hicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fa-
tally 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, or in a location acces-
sible to children, and do not leave
the ignition in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
Separating RKE Transmitter Halves
Manual Lock Knob
18

Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
TiresExamine tires for excessive tread wear
and uneven wear patterns. Check for
stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect
the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect
sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for
proper cold inflation pressure.Lights
Have someone observe the operation
of brake lights and exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check
turn signal and high beam indicator
lights on the instrument panel.Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching,
and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after over-
night parking for fuel, engine coolant,
oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gaso-
line fumes are detected or if fuel,
power steering fluid (2500/3500), or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
50

7. Air Bag Warning LightThis light will turn on for
four to eight seconds as a
bulb check when the igni-
tion switch is first turned to
ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system in-
spected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Be-
fore Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
8. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is
first turned to ON/RUN, this
light will turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check. During
the bulb check, if the driver's seat belt
is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving,
if the driver seat belt remains unbuck-
led, the Seat Belt Warning Light will
flash or remain on continuously. Refer
to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Ve-
hicle” for further information. 9. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine
oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on when the
ignition switch is turned from the
OFF to the ON/RUN position, and the
light will turn off after the engine is
started. If the bulb does not come on
during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on
while driving, stop the vehicle and
shut off the engine. DO NOT OPER-
ATE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE
CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity
of oil in the engine. This can be deter-
mined using the procedure shown in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
10. Engine Temperature Warning
Light
This light warns of an over-
heated engine condition. As
engine coolant temperature rise and
the gauge approaches H, the light will
illuminate and a single chime will
sound after reaching a set threshold. Further overheating will cause a con-
tinuous chime sound for 4 minutes or
until the engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely
pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle
the vehicle. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for ser-
vice. Refer to “If Your Engine Over-
heats” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.11. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various
brake functions, including
brake fluid level and parking brake ap-
plication. If the brake light turns on it
may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low,
or that there is a problem with the anti-
lock brake system.
The dual brake system provides a re-
serve braking capacity in the event of
a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the
dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light which will turn
112

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

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