
STARTING AND OPERATING87
To Turn Off The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button
1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push  and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.
2. The ignition will return to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE  START/STOP button must be held for two 
seconds or three short pushes in a row with 
the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The ignition will 
remain in the ACC position until the gear 
selector is in PARK and the button is pushed 
twice to the OFF position.
4. If the gear selector is not in PARK and the  ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed once 
with the vehicle speed above 5 mph (8 km/h), the instrument cluster will display a “ Vehicle 
Not In Park ” message and the engine will 
remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of 
the PARK position, or it could roll.
NOTE:If the gear selector is not in PARK, and the ENGINE 
START/STOP button is pushed once with the 
vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h), the engine 
will shut off and the ignition will remain in the ACC 
position. If vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph 
(1.9 km/h), the vehicle will AutoPark  Ú page 87.ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With 
Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or 
NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar 
to an ignition switch. It has three positions: OFF, 
ACC, and ON/RUN. To change the ignition modes 
without starting the vehicle and use the 
accessories, follow these directions:
1. Start with the ignition in the OFF position.
2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to 
place the ignition to the ACC position.
3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a  second time to place the ignition to the ON/
RUN position.
4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third  time to return the ignition to the OFF position.
AUTOPARK
AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist in 
placing the vehicle in PARK should the situations 
on the following pages occur. It is a back up system 
and should not be relied upon as the primary 
method by which the driver shifts the vehicle into 
PARK.
The conditions under which AutoPark will engage 
are outlined on the following pages. If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off 
the engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions 
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary selector and an 
8-speed transmission
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Ignition switched from RUN to ACC
WARNING!
Driver inattention could lead to failure to place 
the vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL 
CHECK that your vehicle is in PARK by verifying 
that a solid (not blinking) “P” is indicated in 
the instrument cluster display and near the 
gear selector. If the “P” indicator is blinking, 
your vehicle is not in PARK. As an added 
precaution, always apply the parking brake 
when exiting the vehicle.
AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not 
designed to replace the need to shift your 
vehicle into PARK. It is a back up system and 
should not be relied upon as the primary 
method by which the driver shifts the vehicle 
into PARK.
4
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88STARTING AND OPERATING  
NOTE:For Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ equipped vehicles, the 
engine will turn off and the ignition switch will 
change to ACC position.
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the 
vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle may 
AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions 
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with a rotary selector and an 
8-speed transmission
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
Driver’s door is ajar
Brake pedal is not pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged Shift to P then 
Shift to Gear ” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be 
displayed in the instrument cluster. In these cases, 
the gear selector must be returned to “P” to select 
desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the 
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage  ONLY when vehicle speed is 
1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less. The message “
Vehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to 
P” will be displayed in the instrument cluster if 
vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h).
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
 that your vehicle is in 
PARK by looking for the “P” in the instrument 
cluster display and near the gear selector. As an 
added precaution, always apply the parking brake 
when exiting the vehicle.
EXTENDED PARK STARTING
NOTE:Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle 
has not been started or driven for at least 30 days.
1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to  the battery to ensure a full battery charge 
during the crank cycle.
2. Place the ignition in the START position and  release it when the engine starts. 3. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, 
place the ignition in the OFF position, wait 10 
to 15 seconds to allow the starter to cool, then 
repeat the “Extended Park Starting” 
procedure.
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts,  allow the starter to cool for at least 
10 minutes, then repeat the procedure.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START  
If the engine fails to start after you have followed 
the “Normal Starting” procedure and has not 
experienced an extended park condition as 
defined previously, it may be flooded. Push the 
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold 
it there. Crank the engine for no more than 10 
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case 
the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the 
ON/RUN position, release the accelerator pedal 
and repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h), 
the transmission will default to NEUTRAL until 
the vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/
h). A vehicle left in the NEUTRAL position can 
roll. As an added precaution, always apply the 
parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank 
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a 
time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 88   

STARTING AND OPERATING89
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(BELOW –22°F OR −30°C) 
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, 
use of an externally powered electric engine block 
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is 
recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it 
will decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED 
The engine block heater warms the engine, and 
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the 
cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical 
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at 
least one hour to have an adequate warming effect 
on the engine.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the 
hood on the driver side of the vehicle. It has a 
removable cap that is located near the air box.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS  
A long break-in period is not required for the 
drivetrain (engine, transmission, and rear axle) in 
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles 
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), 
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are 
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within 
the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good 
break-in. However, wide-open throttle acceleration 
in low gear can be detrimental and should be 
avoided.
The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle 
lubricant installed at the factory are high-quality 
and energy-conserving. Oil, fluid, and lubricant 
changes should be consistent with anticipated 
climate and conditions under which vehicle 
operations will occur. For the recommended 
viscosity and quality grades  Ú page 268.
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.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to 
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto -
matic transmission 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 a booster battery or the battery in 
another vehicle. This type of start can be 
dangerous if done improperly  Ú page 201.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not 
continuously crank the engine for more than 10 
seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before 
trying again.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block 
heater cord before driving. Damage to the 
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause 
electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral 
Oil in the engine or damage may result.
4
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90STARTING AND OPERATING  
(Continued)
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few 
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should 
be considered a normal part of the break-in and not 
interpreted as an indication of difficulty. Please check 
your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during 
the break in period. Add oil as required.
PARKING BRAKE  
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the 
parking brake is fully applied and place the gear 
selector in the PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located below 
the lower left corner of the instrument panel. To 
apply the parking brake, firmly push the parking 
brake pedal fully. To release the parking brake, 
press the parking brake pedal a second time and 
let your foot up as you feel the brake disengage.
Parking Brake
 When the parking brake is applied with the ignition 
switch in the ON/RUN position, the Brake Warning 
Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
When the parking brake is applied and the 
transmission is placed in gear, the Brake 
Warning 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.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the 
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade 
and away from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply 
the parking brake before placing the gear selector 
in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission 
locking mechanism may make it difficult to move 
the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake 
should always be applied whenever the driver is 
not in the vehicle.
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.
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 chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended 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.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure 
the keyless ignition node is in the OFF posi -
tion, remove the key fob from the vehicle and 
lock the vehicle.
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 90   

STARTING AND OPERATING91
(Continued)
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION  
NOTE:You must press and hold the brake pedal while 
shifting out of PARK.Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle 
or in a location accessible to children, and do 
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped 
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could operate power 
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged 
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 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!
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute 
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 transmission gear selector out of 
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make 
sure the transmission is in PARK before 
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the 
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a 
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and 
verify that the transmission gear position indi -
cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without 
blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely 
stopped, and the PARK position is properly 
indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
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 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 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, and turn the ignition OFF. When the 
ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis -
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle 
against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure 
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the 
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
WARNING!
4
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92STARTING AND OPERATING  
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park 
Interlock which requires the transmission to be in 
PARK before the ignition can be turned to the OFF 
position. This helps the driver avoid inadvertently 
leaving the vehicle without placing the 
transmission in PARK. This system also locks the 
transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in 
the OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the 
ignition is in the ACC position (even though the 
engine will be off). Ensure that the transmission is 
in PARK, and the ignition is OFF (not in ACC 
position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT 
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with BTSI that holds the 
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the 
brakes are applied. To shift the transmission out of 
PARK, the engine must be running and the brake 
pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also 
be pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or 
REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at 
low speeds.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission is controlled using a rotary 
electronic gear selector located on the center 
console. The transmission gear range (PRNDL/S) 
is displayed both above the gear selector and in 
the instrument cluster. To select a gear range, 
simply rotate the gear selector. To access the L or 
S position, push down on the gear selector and 
then rotate it. You must also press the brake pedal 
to shift the transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, 
when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low 
speeds). To shift past multiple gear ranges at once 
(such as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear 
selector to the appropriate detent. Select the 
DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear 
selector position and the actual transmission gear 
(for example, driver selects PARK while driving), 
the position indicator will blink continuously until 
the selector is returned to the proper position, or 
the requested shift can be completed.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended 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 transmis -
sion gear selector.
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.
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!
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 92   

STARTING AND OPERATING93
(Continued)
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts 
its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along 
with environmental and road conditions. 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 miles (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 between these gears.
Standard Gear Selector
The standard transmission gear selector 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.
Premium Gear Selector
 Premium Gear Selector With AutoStick
The premium transmission gear selector provides 
PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and SPORT 
shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using 
the AutoStick shift control (shift paddles mounted 
on the steering wheel). Pressing the shift paddles 
(-/+) while in the DRIVE or SPORT position will 
manually select the transmission gear, and will 
display the current gear in the instrument cluster 
as 1, 2, 3, etc  Ú
page 96.
Gear Ranges 
Do not press 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 acceler -
ating. 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. 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 ignition OFF.
Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute 
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 transmission gear selector out of 
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make 
sure the transmission is in PARK before 
exiting the vehicle.
4
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94STARTING AND OPERATING  
(Continued) The following indicators should be used to ensure 
that you have properly engaged the transmission 
into the PARK position:
Look at the transmission gear position display 
and verify that it indicates the PARK position, 
and is not blinking.
With the 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. Apply 
the parking brake and shift the transmission into 
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the 
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a 
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and 
verify that the transmission gear position indi
-
cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without 
blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely 
stopped, and the PARK position is properly 
indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
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 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 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, and turn the ignition 
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF position, the 
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the 
vehicle against unwanted movement.
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure 
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the 
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended 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 transmis -
sion gear selector.
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.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector 
out of PARK, you must start the engine, 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!
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.
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 94