
162 (Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts. Start the engine with the gear selector in the
NEUTRAL or PARK position. Apply the brake
before shifting to any driving range.
Normal Starting
1. Do not press the accelerator.
2. Use the fob with Integrated Key to briefly 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.
3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If
this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure
(Steps 1–3 above).
NOTE:
This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must
be pressed to shift out of PARK.
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock your
vehicle.
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 transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-
dren, and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. 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.
WARNING! (Continued)
20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 162

STARTING AND OPERATING165
(Continued)
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONWARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the ignition and lock your
vehicle.
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 gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/ RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disen -
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
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 allow the vehicle to roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on
with the parking brake released, a brake
system malfunction is indicated. Have the
brake system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately.
WARNING! (Continued)
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
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel -
erate 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 normally and 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 exiting a
vehicle, always come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, turn the engine
OFF, and remove the key fob. When the
ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position, the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.
5
20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 165

166STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be
in PARK before the ignition can be turned to the
LOCK/OFF (key removal) position. The key fob
can only be removed from the ignition when the
ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position, and the
transmission is locked in PARK whenever the
ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position.
NOTE:
If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key fob in the ignition to warn you that this
safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be
started and stopped but the key fob cannot be
removed until you obtain service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be
in the ON/RUN mode (engine running or not)
and the brake pedal must be pressed.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the trans -
mission is in PARK before exiting the
vehicle.
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 transmission gear
selector.
WARNING! (Continued)
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)
20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 166

168STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting 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
accelerating. This is especially important when
the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
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 exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift
the transmission into PARK first, and then apply
the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK,
otherwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade, and away from the
curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the engine off.
Remove the key fob.
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
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel
-
erate 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 normally and 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 exiting a
vehicle, always come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, turn the engine
OFF, and remove the key fob. When the
ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position, the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
WARNING! (Continued)
20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 168

STARTING AND OPERATING169
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, firmly move the
gear selector all the way forward and to the
left until it stops and is fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position
display and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P).
With brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
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 exit the vehicle.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the trans -
mission is in PARK before exiting the
vehicle.
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 transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must turn the igni -
tion to the ON/RUN mode, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the
gear selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,
as this can damage the drivetrain.
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.
5
20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 169

224IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow
bars and other equipment designed for this
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and
local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be
observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC
mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, refer to "Gear Selector
Override" in this section for instructions on
shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The GroundALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
Transmission in NEUTRAL
25 mph (40 km/h) max speed
15 miles (24 km) max distance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow
Rear
Front
OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen-
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.
Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia
and transmission may result.
20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 224

368
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 266Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 240Adding Fuel.................................................... 181Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 232Additives, Fuel............................................... 268AdjustDown........................................................... 28Forward....................................................... 28Rearward..................................................... 28Up................................................................ 28Air Bag........................................................... 132Air Bag Operation...................................... 133Air Bag Warning Light................................ 131Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 134Enhanced Accident Response......... 138, 225Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 225If Deployment Occurs................................ 138Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 134Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 139Maintenance............................................. 139Side Air Bags............................................. 134Transporting Pets...................................... 159Air Bag Light..................................94, 131, 160Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter).............................. 235
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 235Air Conditioner Refrigerant........................... 235Air Conditioner System................................. 235Air Conditioning................................................ 56Automatic Rear............................................ 51Rear............................................................. 45Air Conditioning Filter..............................58, 235Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 57Air Filter........................................................ 235Air PressureTires......................................................... 253AlarmArm The System.......................................... 15Disarm The System..................................... 15Security Alarm............................................. 97Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 240, 271Disposal................................................... 242Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 103Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 97Ashtray............................................................. 78Assist, Hill Start............................................. 108Assistance Towing........................................ 312Automatic Dimming Mirror............................... 34Automatic Door Locks............................... 17, 18
Automatic Headlights.......................................38Automatic Transmission....................... 165, 244Adding Fluid..................................... 244, 274Fluid And Filter Change............................. 244Fluid Change............................................. 244Fluid Level Check............................. 243, 244Fluid Type........................................ 243, 274Gear Ranges............................................. 168Special Additives...................................... 244Torque Converter...................................... 172Axle Fluid....................................................... 274Axle Lubrication............................................ 274
B
Battery................................................... 95, 232Charging System Light.................................95Jump Starting........................................... 219Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................10Battery Saver Feature......................................39Belts, Seat.................................................... 160Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 237B-Pillar Location............................................ 249Brake Assist System..................................... 104Brake Control System, Electronic.................. 104Brake Fluid.................................................... 274
20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 368

372
J
Jack Location
................................................. 203Jack Operation..................................... 202, 244Jump Starting................................................ 219
K
Key Fob Arm The Alarm
............................................. 15Disarm The Alarm........................................ 15Programming Additional Key Fobs....... 10, 14Key Fob Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry)................................... 10Key Fob Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry)................................... 10Keys................................................................... 9Replacement............................................... 14
L
Lane Change And Turn Signals........................ 37Lane Change Assist.................................. 37, 39Lap/Shoulder Belts....................................... 121Latches.......................................................... 161Hood........................................................... 61Leaks, Fluid................................................... 161Life Of Tires................................................... 255Liftgate............................................................ 62Closing........................................................ 62Opening....................................................... 62Light Bulbs..................................................... 161
Lights............................................................ 161Air Bag...................................... 94, 131, 160Automatic Headlights.................................. 38Back-Up.................................................... 197Battery Saver............................................... 39Brake Assist Warning............................... 107Brake Warning............................................. 94Bulb Replacement.................................... 194Center Mounted Stop............................... 197Cruise....................................................... 100Daytime Running.................................. 37, 38Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................... 37, 38Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator.................................................. 96Exterior..................................................... 161Fog.....................................................39, 196Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 194Headlights..........................................37, 196Headlights On Reminder............................. 39High Beam................................................... 38High Beam/Low Beam Select............... 37, 38Instrument Cluster....................................... 37Interior......................................................... 39License..................................................... 197Lights On Reminder.............................. 37, 39Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).......... 98Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness)............. 41Park................................................. 100, 196Passing................................................. 37, 38Reading....................................................... 39
Rear Servicing.......................................... 197Rear Tail Lamps........................................ 197Seat Belt Reminder.....................................96Security Alarm.............................................97Service...................................................... 194Side Marker.............................................. 197Traction Control........................................ 107Turn Signals............37, 100, 161, 196, 197Warning Instrument Cluster
Descriptions....................................... 96, 100Load Leveling System......................................63Loading Vehicle...................................... 63, 182Tires.......................................................... 249LocksAutomatic Door............................................17Low Tire Pressure System............................. 115Lubrication, Body.......................................... 237Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 266Luggage Carrier................................................79
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................ 232Maintenance Schedule................................. 226Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)....................................... 98, 102ManualService...................................................... 367Map/Reading Lights........................................39Media Hub.................................................... 340Methanol....................................................... 268
20_RT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 372