Page 255 of 587

prompted in the EVIC display to reset). When the fuel
economy is reset, the display will read “RESET” or show
dashes for two seconds. Then, the history information
will be erased, and the averaging will continue from the
last fuel reading before the reset.
Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. This is not resettable.
NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change
to a text display of LOW FUEL.This display will
continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the
LOW FUEL
text and a new DTE value will be dis-
played, based on the current values in the DTE calcula-
tion and the current fuel tank level.
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in
“Starting And Operating” for system operation.
Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset.
Elapsed time will increment when the ignition switch is
in the RUN/START position.
Elapsed time is displayed as follows:
hours: minutes: seconds
Elapsed time can be reset by pushing and holding the
RIGHT arrow button (as prompted in the EVIC display).
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 253
Page 321 of 587

•Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demist outlets.
• Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort
while reducing moisture on the windshield.
• Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting. NOTE:
•
The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix,
Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air
Conditioning (A/C) button is not pushed. This dehu-
midifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.
• For information on operating the Rear Defrost, refer to
“Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Fea-
tures Of Your Vehicle”.
• Recirculation Control
Pushing the Recirculation Control button will
put the system in recirculation mode. This can
be used when outside conditions such as
smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are pres-
ent. Activating recirculation will cause the LED in the
control button to illuminate.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 319
Page 336 of 587

FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................424
▫ 2.0L And 2.4L Engine ...................424
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................424
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............425
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......425
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................426
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................426
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................427
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............428
ADDING FUEL ....................... .428
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............428
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............430
VEHICLE LOADING ....................431 ▫
Vehicle Certification Label ...............431
TRAILER TOWING .....................433
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............433
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............436
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ........................... .437
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............438
▫ Towing Requirements ..................439
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .445
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................447
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .447
334 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 338 of 587

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Press the brake
pedal before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Tip Start
Do not press the accelerator. 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 running.
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.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to
start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter 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
(Continued)
336 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 339 of 587

WARNING!(Continued)
another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if
done improperly, so follow the procedure carefully.
Refer to “Jump-Starting” in “What To Do In Emer-
gencies” for further information.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” and “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Press the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there. Crank the engine
for no more than 15 seconds. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON position, release the accelerator pedal and
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 337
Page 342 of 587
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transmission lu-
bricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift
efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transmis-
sion.Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transmission for optimal fuel
economy, it should be upshifted as listed in the following
table.
Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds
Units in mph (km/h)
Engine Size Acceleration Rate1to2
2to33to4 4to5
All Engines Accel 14 (23)23 (37)29 (47) 45 (72)
Cruise 12 (19) 18 (29)25 (40) 32 (52)
340 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 343 of 587

Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift
at too high of a vehicle speed, these conditions may
cause the engine to overspeed if too low of a gear is
selected and the clutch pedal is released. Damage to
the clutch and the transmission can result from
skipping a gear while downshifting or downshifting
at too high of a vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal
is held pressed (i.e., not released).
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to second or first gear when descending a steep
grade. When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
Page 349 of 587

NEUTRAL (N)
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 transmission 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
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
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 (D)
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 driv-
ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick shift
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 347