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 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.
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 Key-
less Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle. KEYLESS ENTERNGO™
This feature allows
the driver to oper-
ate the ignition
switch with the
push of a button,
as long as the Re-
mote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter is in the passenger
compartment.
NORMAL STARTING —
GASOLINE ENGINE
Using The ENGINE START/STOP
Button
1. The transmission must be in PARK
or NEUTRAL.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal
while pressing the ENGINE START/
STOP button once.
3.
The system takes over and attempts
to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to
start, the starter will disengage auto-
matically after 10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of
the engine prior to the engine starting,
press the button again. NOTE:
Normal starting of either a
cold or a warm engine is obtained
without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
To Turn Off The Engine Using
ENGINE START/STOP Button
1.
Place the shift lever in PARK, then
press and release the ENGINE START/
STOP button.
2. The ignition switch will return to
the OFF position.
3.
If the shift lever is not in PARK and
the vehicle speed is above 8 km/h, the
ENGINE START/STOP button must
be held for two seconds before the en-
gine shuts off. The ignition switch po-
sition will remain in the ACC position
until the shift lever is in PARK and the
button is pressed twice to the OFF
position. If the shift lever is not in
PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP
button is pressed once, the EVIC will
display a “Vehicle Not In Park” mes-
sage and the engine will remain run-
ning. Never leave a vehicle out of the
PARK position, or it could roll.
195
NOTE:
If the ignition switch is
left in the ACC or RUN (engine not
running) position and the trans-
mission is in PARK, the system
will automatically time out after
30 minutes of inactivity and the
ignition will switch to the OFF
position.
ENGINE START/STOP Button
Functions – With Driver’s Foot
OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK
Or NEUTRAL Position)
The Keyless Enter-N-Go feature oper-
ates similar to an ignition switch. It
has four positions, OFF, ACC, RUN
and START. To change the ignition
switch positions without starting the
vehicle and use the accessories follow
these steps.
Starting with the ignition switch in the OFF position:
Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once to change the ignition
switch to the ACC position (ACC
will illuminate), Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button a second time to change the
ignition switch to the RUN position
(RUN will illuminate),
Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the
ignition switch to the OFF position
(OFF will illuminate).
EXTREME COLD
WEATHER (BELOW 29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally
powered electric engine block heater
is recommended.
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.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Ve-
hicles equipped with an auto-
matic transmission cannot be
started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be
used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improp-
erly. Refer to “Jump Starting” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
196
KEY IGNITION PARK
INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key
Ignition Park Interlock which re-
quires the shift lever to be placed in
PARK before the engine can be turned
off. This helps the driver avoid inad-
vertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK.
This system also locks the shift lever
in PARK whenever the ignition switch
is in the OFF position.
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.EIGHT-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION –
3.6L ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with a state of
the art, fuel efficient eight-speed
transmission. The electronic shift lever
in this vehicle does not slide like a
conventional shifter. Instead, the shift
lever is spring loaded and moves for-
ward and rearward, always returning
to the center position after each gear is
selected. The transmission gear Park,
Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low
(PRNDL) is displayed both on the shift
lever and in the Electronic Vehicle In-
formation Center (EVIC). To select a
gear range, press the lock button on
the shift lever and move the lever rear-
ward or forward. You must also press
the brake pedal to shift the transmis-
sion out of the PARK position (refer to
“Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System” in this section). To shift past
multiple gear ranges at once (such as
PARK to DRIVE), move the lever past
the first (or second) detent. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
The electronically-controlled trans-
mission provides a precise shift sched-
ule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few
shifts on a new vehicle may be some-
what abrupt. This is a normal condi-
tion, and precision shifts will develop
within a few hundred kilometers.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.
Standard Shifter
The standard shift lever has PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and
LOW shift positions. Using the LOW
position manually downshifts the
transmission to a lower gear based on
vehicle speed.
Optional Shifter With AutoStick®
The optional shift lever (with
AutoStick® shift paddles mounted on
the steering wheel) provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and
200
WARNING!(Continued)
Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the
vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while
the engine is running. Before exit-
ing a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmis-
sion into PARK, and turn the en-
gine off. When the ignition is in the
OFF position, the shift lever is
locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted 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 Key-
less Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. 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
lever could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting 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, press the
lock button on the shift lever and
push the lever all the way forward
until it stops. When released, the
lever will return to its home position.
With brake pedal released, look at the
shift lever position display and verify
that it indicates the PARK position.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.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.
202
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.
If there is a need to restart the engine,
be sure to cycle the ignition to the OFF
position before restarting. Transmis-
sion gear engagement may be delayed
after restarting the engine if the igni-
tion is not cycled to the OFF position
first.
PARKThis 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 in-
jure you and others if it is not in
PARK. Check by trying to move
the shift lever out of PARK with
the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK
before leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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 the brake pedal, the ve-
hicle could accelerate quickly for-
ward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit some-
one or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling nor-
mally and when your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the
vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while
the engine is running. Before exit-
ing a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmis-
sion into PARK, and turn the en-
gine off. When the ignition is in the
OFF position, the shift lever is
locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted movement. When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob and lock your
vehicle.
(Continued)
205
WARNING!(Continued)
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 Key-
less Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.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
lever could result.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
DO NOT race the engine when shifting 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.
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.
206
If the “SERVICE POWER
STEERING SYSTEM”
message and a flashing icon
are displayed on the EVIC
screen, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for
service. It is likely the vehicle has lost
power steering assistance. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM
OVER TEMP” message and an icon
are displayed on the EVIC screen, it
indicates that extreme steering ma-
neuvers may have occurred, which
caused an over temperature condition
in the power steering system. You will
lose power steering assistance mo-
mentarily until the over temperature
condition no longer exists. Once driv-
ing conditions are safe, then pull over
and let vehicle idle for a few moments
until the light turns off. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. NOTE:
Even if power steering assistance
is no longer operational, it is still
possible to steer the vehicle. Un-
der these conditions there will be
a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low ve-
hicle speeds and during parking
maneuvers.If the condition persists, see your
authorized dealer for service.PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully applied
and place the shift lever in the PARK
position.
The foot operated parking brake is
located below the lower left corner of
the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park
brake pedal fully. To release the park-
ing brake, press the park brake pedal
a second time and let your foot up as
you feel the brake disengage.
When the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch in the ON po-
sition, the “Brake Warning Light” in
the instrument 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.
Parking Brake
213
READY ALERT BRAKING
Ready Alert Braking may reduce the
time required to reach full braking
during emergency braking situations.
It anticipates when an emergency
braking situation may occur by moni-
toring how fast the throttle is released
by the driver. When the throttle is
released very quickly, Ready Alert
Braking applies a small amount of
brake pressure. This brake pressure
will not be noticed by the driver. The
brake system uses this brake pressure
to allow a fast brake response if the
driver applies the brakes.
RAIN BRAKE SUPPORT
Rain Brake Support may improve
braking performance in wet condi-
tions. It will periodically apply a small
amount of brake pressure to remove
any water buildup on the front brake
rotors. It only functions when the
windshield wipers are in the LO or HI
mode, it does not function in the in-
termittent mode. When Rain Brake
Support is active, there is no notifica-
tion to the driver and no driver inter-
action is required.
ESC ACTIVATION/
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LIGHT AND ESC OFF
INDICATOR LIGHT
The “ESC Activation/Mal-
function Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster will
come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
It should go out with the engine run-
ning. If the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” comes
on continuously with the engine run-
ning, a malfunction has been detected
in the ESC system. If this light re-
mains on after several ignition cycles,
and the vehicle has been driven sev-
eral kilometers at speeds greater than
48 km/h, see your authorized dealer
as soon as possible to have the prob-
lem diagnosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” (located in the in-
strument cluster) starts to flash as
soon as the tires lose traction and the
ESC system becomes active. The
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” also flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” begins
to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt
your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions.
NOTE:
The “ESC Activation/Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light” and the
“ESC OFF Indicator Light” come
on momentarily each time the ig-
nition switch is turned ON.Each time the ignition is turned
ON, the ESC system will be ON
even if it was turned off
previously.The ESC system will make buzz-
ing or clicking sounds when it is
active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESC becomes in-
active following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” indicates the Elec-
tronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
220