Chrysler 2005 Sebring Convertible User Manual

SECTION PAGE

1

INTRODUCTION

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

.............................................................3

...........................7

............................47

..................................83

................................................141

.............................................185

..............................................199

................................................249

.......................................267

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

INDEX

...................................................................277

10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

䡵 Introduction

䡵 How To Use This Manual

䡵 Warnings And Cautions

........................... 4

................. 4

.................. 6

䡵 Vehicle Identification Number

䡵 Vehicle Modifications / Alterations

.............. 6

.......... 6

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc­tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.

NOTE:

After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.

When it comes to service, remember that your manufac­turer’s dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory­trained technicians and genuine Mopar威 parts, and is
interested in your satisfaction.

WARNING!

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod­ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.

The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.

Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used throughout this owner’s
manual:

INTRODUCTION 5

1

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is on a stamped
plate on the left front corner on the body of the vehicle,
visible through the windshield. This number also ap­pears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label
affixed to a window on your vehicle. Save this label as a
convenient record of your vehicle identification number
and optional equipment.

Vehicle Identification Number

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 A Word About Your Keys

▫ Ignition Key Removal ................... 9

▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .10

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................10

䡵 Sentry Key — If Equipped

▫ Replacement Keys ......................11

▫ Customer Key Programming ..............11

▫ General Information ....................12

䡵 Illuminated Entry System

䡵 Door Locks

▫ Power Door Locks .....................13

...........................12

................. 9

................10

.................12

▫ Central Locking—If Equipped .............14

▫ Door Ajar Warning .....................14

▫ Automatic (Rolling) Door Locks ............14

▫ Automatic Unlock On Exit—Only Available If

Automatic Door Locks Are Enabled .........15

䡵 Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped

▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................16

▫ To Lock The Doors .....................17

▫ To Unlock The Trunk ....................17

▫ Panic Alarm ..........................17

▫ To Use The Panic Alarm .................18

▫ To Program Additional Transmitters .........18

........16

2

8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ General Information ....................18

▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............19

䡵 Vehicle Theft Alarm

.....................19

▫ Tamper Alert .........................20

▫ Security System Manual Override ...........20

䡵 Trunk Lock And Release

䡵 Trunk Safety Warning

..................21

....................21

▫ Trunk Internal Emergency Release ..........22

䡵 Windows

.............................22

▫ Power Windows .......................22

䡵 Occupant Restraints

.....................23

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................24

▫ Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................27

▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert) ...........................28

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............29

▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................29

▫ Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............30

▫ Child Restraint ........................35

䡵 Engine Break-In Recommendations

䡵 Safety Tips

............................44

..........43

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................44

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside

The Vehicle ..........................44

▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside

The Vehicle ..........................45

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

CAUTION!

An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition, lock the doors, and
close the windows when leaving the vehicle unat­tended.

Ignition Key Removal

2

Ignition Key Positions

Place the shift lever in PARK and make sure that the
gearshift knob push button has returned to the out
position. Turn the key to the Lock position and remove
the key.

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

If you try to remove the key before you place
the lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo­rarily in the key cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key
clockwise slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system may trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.

Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System

This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the OFF or RUN positions.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
and is in the OFF, LOCK, or ACC position, sounds a
signal to remind you to remove the key.

SENTRY KEY — IF EQUIPPED

With this system, an electronically coded ignition key
sends a signal to the vehicle electronics. If the electronics
recognizes the signal, the vehicle will start and continue
to run. If the system does not recognize the signal the
vehicle will start and run for 2 seconds then shut off. The
system will allow the engine to be started and run (for 2
seconds) up to six times after which the starter motor will
be disabled and the engine will not crank.

NOTE:

The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible

•

with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.

•

Additional Sentry Keys or Mobil Speed Pass™ devices
held too close to the ignition key when starting the
vehicle may cause problems when attempting to start
the vehicle. These devices cannot damage the Sentry
Key System, but can cause a momentary problem
when attempting to start the engine. If a problem
occurs, remove the Sentry Key from the key ring and
restart the vehicle. Pagers, cell phones, walkmans, etc.,
have no effect on this system.

The Theft Alarm Light, located on the instrument cluster
to the right of the fuel gauge, will illuminate for about 3
seconds when the ignition switch is first turned to the On
position. If the vehicle electronics do not receive a valid
signal from the ignition key, the theft alarm light will
flash continuously to signal that the vehicle has been
immobilized. If the Theft Alarm Light remains On during
vehicle operation, it indicates a fault in the system
electronics.

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

Replacement Keys

NOTE:

vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can
not be programmed to any other vehicle.

At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.

NOTE:
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.

Customer Key Programming

You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:

1. Insert the first valid key into the ignition and turn the
ignition On for at least 3 seconds but no longer than 15
seconds.

Only keys that have been programmed to the

When having the Sentry Key System serviced,

2

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Turn the ignition Off and remove the first key.

2. Insert the second valid key and switch the ignition On
within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime will sound
and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash.

Turn the ignition Off and remove the second key.

3. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition and switch
the ignition On within 60 seconds. After 10 seconds a
single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light will stop
flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.

The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.

General Information

The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference

2. this device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes­ired operation

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM

The interior lights will come on when you open either
door, unlock the vehicle with the remote keyless entry or
central unlock from the driver’s side (if so equipped).
They will remain on for about 30 seconds after all doors
are closed then fade to off.

The lights also will turn off if you turn on the ignition
after you close all doors.

DOOR LOCKS

WARNING!

For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive and
when you park and leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause severe personal inju­ries and death.

Power Door Locks

There is a door lock switch on each front door located to
the front of each door handle. Press this switch to lock or
unlock the doors.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

2

Power Door Lock Switch

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you press the door lock switch while the keys are in the
ignition switch, and the driver’s door is open, the doors
will not lock.

Door Lock Plunger

If the door lock plunger is down when you shut the door,
the door will lock. Therefore, make sure that the keys are
not inside the vehicle before closing the door.

Central Locking—If Equipped

Turning the driver’s door lock to the unlock position
twice within five seconds will unlock both doors. Turning
the key in the driver’s door to the unlock position once
will unlock only the driver’s door.

Locking the driver’s door with the key will lock both
doors.

Door Ajar Warning

If you move the vehicle and a door is not completely
closed, the word DOOR will replace the odometer dis­play and a chime will sound once. The odometer display
will reappear once the door is closed.

Automatic (Rolling) Door Locks

The doors will lock automatically, as programmed from
the factory, if:

1. The transaxle is in gear,

2. All doors are closed,

3. Vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h),

4. The accelerator pedal is depressed.

The Automatic Door Locks can be disabled or re-enabled
by performing the following procedure:

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.

2. Cycle the ignition switch between OFF and ON/RUN
and back to OFF 4 times ending up in the OFF position.

Ignition Key Positions

3. Depress the power door lock switch to lock the doors.

2

Power Door Lock Switch

4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.

Automatic Unlock on Exit—Only Available if
Automatic Door Locks are Enabled

This feature will unlock all the doors when the driver’s
door is opened and the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. This function is disabled as delivered from the
factory. Automatic Unlock on Exit can be enabled or
disabled by performing the following procedure:

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.

2. Cycle the ignition switch between OFF and ON/RUN
and back to OFF 4 times ending up in the OFF position.

3. Depress the power door lock switch to unlock the
doors.

4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED

This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors or
open the trunk from distances up to 23 feet (7 meters)
using a transmitter. You don’t have to point the transmit­ter at the vehicle to activate the system.

Keyless Entry Transmitter

To unlock the doors:

Press and release the UNLOCK button once to unlock the
driver’s door. Press the button twice within 5 seconds to
unlock all doors. If your vehicle is equipped with Illumi­nated Entry, the interior lights also come on and remain
on for about 30 seconds, when you unlock the doors.

NOTE:

The system may be programmed to unlock all
the doors upon the first press of the Unlock button. To
toggle between the first press unlock of the driver’s door
to unlock of all doors, perform the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmit­ter.

2. Continue to hold the Unlock button, wait at least 4
but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the LOCK
button.

3. Release both buttons.

The headlights will flash twice to acknowledge the
unlock signal.

NOTE:

The Lamp Flash can be enabled or disabled by
performing the following procedure:

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

1. Press and hold the Lock button on the transmitter.

2. Continue to hold the Lock button, wait at least 4 but
no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Trunk
button.

3. Release both buttons.

To lock the doors:

The horn will chirp and the headlamps will flash once to
acknowledge the lock signal.

NOTE:

Note just prior to the sub-section “To lock the doors”. The
horn chirp can be enabled or disabled by the following
procedure:

1. Press and hold the Lock button on the transmitter.

2. Continue to hold the Lock button, wait at least 4 but
no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Unlock
button.

3. Release both buttons.

To enable or disable the Lamp Flash, see the

To unlock the trunk:

Press and hold the Trunk button on the transmitter to
unlatch the trunk.

NOTE:

the trunk immediately upon activation of the Trunk
button (without pressing and holding) by performing the
following procedure:

1. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmit­ter.

2. Continue to hold the Unlock button, wait at least 4
but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Trunk
button.

3. Release both buttons.

Panic Alarm

The panic mode unlocks the driver’s door, turns on the
interior lights, flashes the headlights, and sounds the
horn for about 3 minutes or until the alarm is turned off.

The transmitter can be programmed to unlatch

2

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To use the Panic Alarm:

Press and hold the Panic Button for at least 1 second to
activate the panic alarm. Press and hold the panic button
a second time or unlock the door with the key (if
equipped with central locking) to deactivate the alarm.
The alarm will also shut itself off after 3 minutes, or when
the vehicle speed reaches 15 MPH (24 km/h).

To Program Additional Transmitters:

Up to 4 transmitters can be programmed to your vehicle.
To program a transmitter, perform the following proce­dure:

1. With the vehicle in Park, turn the ignition switch to the
ON/RUN position.

2. Using a currently programmed transmitter, press the
Unlock button on the transmitter. Continue to hold the
Unlock button, wait at least 4 but no longer than 10
seconds, then press and hold the Panic button for at least
one second. Release both buttons simultaneously. You
will hear a chime to signal that you can proceed with
programming the new transmitter.

3. Press and release the Lock and Unlock buttons simul­taneously, followed by a press and release of ANY button
on each new transmitter to be programmed as well as the
original transmitter. You will hear a chime when a
transmitter has been successfully programmed. You will
have 30 seconds to finish programming all new transmit­ters. A chime will sound when the 30 seconds is over or
the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.

General Information

This transmitter complies with FCC rules part 15 and
with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference

2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes­ired operation

If your Remote Lock Control fails to operate from a
normal distance, check for these two conditions:

1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of
batteries is from one to two years

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.

Transmitter Battery Service

The recommended replacement batteries are CR2016.

1. Pry the transmitter halves apart with a dime or similar
object. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket
material during removal.

Separating Transmitter Halves

2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch the battery, clean it
with rubbing alcohol.

3. Reassemble the transmitter case. Snap the halves
together and test transmitter operation.

VEHICLE THEFT ALARM

The system monitors the doors, trunk, and ignition for
unauthorized operation.

If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
up to 18 minutes. For the first three minutes the horn will
sound and the headlights and interior lights will flash.
Then the horn will stop and if the source of the trigger is
still present, the lights will continue to flash for another
15 minutes.

NOTE:

The engine will not start until you disarm the

system.

2

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To set the alarm:

1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.

2. Lock the door using either the power door lock switch,
the key, or the Keyless Entry Transmitter and close all
doors.

3. The light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly
for 15 seconds. This shows that the system is arming. If
the light comes on but does not flash, the system is still
armed, but there is a problem in the trunk circuit. After 15
seconds the light will continue to flash slowly. This
shows that the system is fully armed.

To disarm the system:

Unlock a front door using either the key or the Keyless
Entry Transmitter.

Tamper Alert

If the horn sounds 3 times when you unlock a front door
using either a key or the Keyless Entry Transmitter, the
alarm had been triggered. Check the vehicle for tamper­ing.

Security System Manual Override

The system will not arm if you lock the doors using the
manual lock control.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE

Trunk Release Button

Use the key or the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to
open the trunk from outside the vehicle. From inside the
car the trunk lid can be released by turning the ignition
ON and depressing the Trunk Release Button located on
the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. The
transmission must be in Park before the switch will
operate. Vehicles with manual transmissions must have
the ignition ON and be at 0 mph for the switch to work.

With the ignition ON, the word “deck” will be displayed
in place of the odometer display indicating that the trunk
is open. The odometer display will reappear once the
trunk is closed or if the trip button is depressed.

With the key in lock position or key out, the “deck” will
be displayed until the trunk is closed.

TRUNK SAFETY WARNING

WARNING!

Do not allow children to have access to the trunk,
either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or
through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the
trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in
the trunk, young children may not be able to escape,
even if they entered through the rear seat. If trapped
in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or
heat stroke.

2

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Trunk Internal Emergency Release

Emergency Release

NOTE:

As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emer­gency Release lever is built into the trunk latching
mechanism. In the event of an individual being locked
inside the trunk, the trunk can be simply opened by
pulling on the glow-in-the-dark handle attached to the
trunk latching mechanism. See picture.

WINDOWS

Power Windows

Power Window Switches

WARNING!

Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat­tended children, can become entrapped by the
power windows while operating the power window
switch. Such entrapment may result in serious injury
or death.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

The window controls on the driver’s door operate all
windows.

The driver’s window switch has an Auto Down feature.
Press the window switch past the detent, release, and the
window will go down automatically.

To open the window part way, pull the window switch
part way and release it when you want the window to
stop.

Wind Buffeting

Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or in certain open or partially open
positions. This is a normal occurrence and can be mini­mized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear windows
open, open the front and rear windows together to
minimize the buffeting.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front
and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, and
front airbags for both the driver and front passenger. If
you will be carrying children too small for adult-size
belts, your seat belts also can be used to hold infant and
child restraint systems.

Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.

WARNING!

In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buck­led up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or
other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the
vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.

2

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision which includes you. This can
happen far away from home or on your own street.

Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of
ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with
Lap/Shoulder Belts.

The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or impacts. This feature allows the
shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under
normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt will lock
and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle
or being thrown out.

WARNING!

•

Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat
belts are designed to go around the large bones of
your body. These are the strongest parts of your
body and can take the forces of a collision the
best. Wearing your belt in the wrong place could
make your injuries in a collision much worse. You
might suffer internal injuries, or you could even
slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instruc­tions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep
your passengers safe, too.

•

Two people should never be belted into a single
seat belt. People belted together can crash into one
another in an accident, hurting one another badly.
Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for
more than one person, no matter what their size.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and
adjust the front seat.

Latch Plate

2. The seat belt latch plate is on the back of your seat.
Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch
plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt
go around your lap.

Latch Plate To Buckle

3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a ”click.”

2

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• A belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will
not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride
too high on your body, possibly causing internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle
nearest you.

• A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well.
In a sudden stop you could move too far forward,
increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat
belt snugly.

• A belt that is worn under your arm is very
dangerous. Your body could strike the inside sur­faces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head
and neck injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause
internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder
bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your
strongest bones will take the force in a collision.

• A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect
you from injury during a collision. You are more
likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not
wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt
are meant to be used together.

4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your
abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up
a bit on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too
tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug
belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a
collision.

Removing Slack From Belt

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

WARNING!

• A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of
internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t
be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your
abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as pos­sible and keep it snug.

• A twisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a collision
it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight.
If you can’t straighten a belt in your vehicle, take it
to your dealer and have it fixed.

5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is
comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor
will withdraw any slack in the belt.

6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.
The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position.
If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to
allow the belt to retract fully.

WARNING!

A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision
and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt
system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose
parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately.
Do not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they
have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.).

Seat Belt Pretensioners

The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove any slack from the seat belts in the event of a
collision. These devices improve the performance of the
seat belt system by assuring that the belt is tight about the
occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all
size occupants.

NOTE:

seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still
must be worn snugly and positioned properly.

These devices are not a substitute for proper

2

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The pretensioners are triggered by the front airbag con­trol module (see Airbag Section). Like the front airbags,
the pretensioners are single use items. After a collision
that is severe enough to deploy the airbags and preten­sioners, both must be replaced.

Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)

If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60
seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning
System (BeltAlert) will alert the driver to buckle their seat
belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to
buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is triggered, the
Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will continue to
chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96
seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled or the
vehicle speed is below 5 mph (8 km/h). The Enhanced
Warning System (BeltAlert) will be reactivated if the
driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds
and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be en­abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
following these steps:

NOTE:

The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or START position. DaimlerChrysler does not recom­mend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert).

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and
buckle the driver’s seat belt.

2. Start the engine and wait for the Seat Belt Warning
Light to turn off.

3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle
and then re-buckle the driver’s seat belt at least three
times within 10 seconds, ending with the seat belt
buckled.

NOTE:

Watch for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn on
while unbuckling and off while re-buckling the seat belt.
It may be necessary to retract the seat belt.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

4. Turn off the engine. A single chime will sound to
signify that you have successfully completed the pro­gramming.

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be reacti­vated by repeating this procedure.

NOTE:

(BeltAlert) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning
Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat
belt remains unbuckled.

Seat Belts and Pregnant Women

We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts
throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.

Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.

Although the Enhanced Warning System

Seat Belt Extender

If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended and
when the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if so
equipped) is in its lowest position, your dealer can
provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender
should be used only if the existing belt is not long
enough. When it is not required, remove the extender
and store it.

WARNING!

Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use
when the seat belt is not long enough when it is
worn low and snug, and in the recommended seating
positions. Remove and store the extender when not
needed.

2

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Driver and Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag

Front Airbag Components

This vehicle has front airbags for both the driver and
front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
systems. The driver’s airbag is mounted in the center of
the steering wheel. The passenger’s front airbag is
mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove com­partment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the
airbag covers.

NOTE:

These airbags are certified to the new Federal

regulations that allow less forceful airbags.

WARNING!

•

Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You
may damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbags are not there to protect you.
These protective covers for the airbag cushions are
designed to open only when the airbags are in­flating.

•

Do not drill, cut or tamper with knee bolster in
any way.

•

Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios
etc.

Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along
with the seat belts, front airbags work with the instru­ment panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection
for the driver and front passenger.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31

The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy only in moderate
to severe frontal collisions. But even in collisions where
the airbags work, you need the seat belts to keep you in
the right position for the airbags to protect you properly.

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize
the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.

1. Children 12 years old and under should ride buckled
up in the rear seat. Infants in rear-facing child restraints
should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a
passenger front airbag. An airbag deployment could
cause severe injury or death to infants in that position.

Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt (see section on “Child Restraints”)
should be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or
belt-positioning booster seats appropriate for the size and
age of the child.

Older children who do not use child restraints or belt­positioning booster seats should ride properly buckled
up in the rear seat. Never allow children to slide the
shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.

If a child from 1 to 12 years old must ride in the front
passenger seat because the vehicle is crowded, move the
seat as far back as possible, and use the proper child
restraint. See the section on “Child Restraint”.

2. You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.

3. All occupants should use their seat belts properly.

4. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved
back as far as practical to allow the airbags time to inflate.

2

32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

•

Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.

•

Being too close to the steering wheel or instru­ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.

Airbag System Components

The front airbag system consists of the following:

•

Airbag Control Module

•

AIRBAG Readiness Light

•

Driver Airbag

•

Passenger Airbag

•

Steering Wheel and Column

•

Instrument Panel

•

Interconnecting Wiring

•

Knee Impact Bolsters

•

Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners

How The Airbag System Works

The front airbag control module determines if a frontal

•

collision is severe enough to require the airbags to
inflate. The control module receives the level of crash
severity and determines the proper level of airbag to
be deployed. The frontal airbag inflators are designed
to provide two different rates of air bag inflation.

•

The airbag control module will not detect roll over or
rear collisions.

•

The airbag control module also monitors the readiness
of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions.
These include all of the items listed above except the
knee bolster, the instrument panel, and the steering
wheel and column. If the key is in the “off” position, in
the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are
not on and will not inflate.

•

The airbag control module also turns on the
AIRBAG light in the instrument panel for 6 to
8 seconds when the ignition is first turned on,

then turns the light off. If it detects a malfunction in
any part of the system, it turns on the light either
momentarily or continuously.

WARNING!

Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

•

When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas exits the airbag inflator
and inflates the airbag. Two levels of airbag inflation
rates are possible. These rates are determined by the
airbag control module based on collision severity. The
airbag covers separate and fold out of the way as the
airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully
inflate in about 60 milliseconds. This is only about half
of the time it takes you to blink your eyes. The airbags
then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and front passenger. The driver’s front airbag
gas is vented through a vent hole in the rear of the
airbag. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.

•

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag.

2

34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If A Deployment Occurs

The airbag system is designed to deploy when the airbag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe frontal col­lision, to help restrain the driver and front passenger, and
then to immediately deflate.

NOTE:

A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.

If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:

•

The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra­sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and right
front passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.

•

As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc­tions for cleaning.

•

It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in
another collision, the airbags will not be in place to
protect you.

WARNING!

Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli­sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

Maintaining Your Airbag System

WARNING!

•

Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc­ture, or frame.

•

You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster.

•

It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.

Airbag Light

You will want to have the airbags ready for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system

is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the
system promptly:

•

The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.

•

The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.

•

The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.

Child Restraint

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time— babies and children too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

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36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck­led up in a rear seat. According to crash statistics,
children are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seat rather than in the front.

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap
could become so great that you could not hold the
child, no matter how strong you are. The child and
others could be badly injured. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the
child’s size.

There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the right seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:

Infants and Child Restraints

•

Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and “convertible” child seats.

•

The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). “Convertible” child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are
held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the
LATCH child restraint anchorage system. (See the
LATCH-Child Seat Anchorage System section.)

•

Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in
the front seat of a vehicle with the front passenger
airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe
injury or death to infants in this position.

WARNING!

•

Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex­actly when installing an infant or child restraint.

•

A rearward facing infant restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing infant
restraint in the front seat may be struck by a
deploying passenger airbag which may cause se­vere or fatal injury to the infant.

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:

•

Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make sure
that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it before you buy it.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37

•

The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.

•

Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.

•

Buckle the child into the seat according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s directions.

•

When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the
vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs
and cause serious personal injury.

NOTE:
www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK.

For additional information, refer to

2

38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Older Children and Child Restraints

Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are
older than one year can ride forward-facing in the
vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children
who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older
than one year. These child seats are also held in the
vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child
restraint anchorage system. (See the LATCH — Child
Seat Anchorage System Section.)

The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weighing
more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit
the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child cannot sit
with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the
child’s back is against the seat back, they should use a
belt-positioning booster seat. The child and belt­positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the
lap/shoulder belt.

Children Too Large For Booster Seats

Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend

over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.

•

Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.

•

The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.

•

Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.

•

If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.

LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren)

Your vehicle’s rear seat is equipped with the child
restraint anchorage system called LATCH. The LATCH
system provides for the installation of child restraints
without using the vehicle’s seat belts, instead securing
the chid restraint using lower anchorages and upper
tether straps from the child restraint to the vehicle
structure.

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail­able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be
introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems
having attachments for those anchorages will continue to
also have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat
belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for
connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail­able for some time. For some older child restraints, many
child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retro-fit kits. You are urged to take advantage of all
the available attachments provided with your child re­straint in any vehicle.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

2

Latch Anchorages

Both rear seating positions have lower anchor­ages that are capable of accommodating
LATCH-compatible child seats. These are

round bars, located at the lower area of the seat
back, designated by four round labels with a symbol of a
child in a car seat. (Symbol shown to the left). Install your
child seat as per child seat manufacturer recommenda­tions.

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Do not install a LATCH-equipped child restraint in
the center of the rear seat of the vehicle. This is not
a seating position in the vehicle, and a child seat
cannot be correctly installed in this position. Addi­tionally, there is no tether anchorage provided for
correctly installing a child seat in the center of the
rear seat. Only install child seats in the right or left
rear positions in the vehicle, using either the lap/
shoulder belt or LATCH attachments to secure the
child seat. Always use the tether anchor directly
behind the seating position when securing a child
restraint.

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint
System

We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Not all
child restraint systems will be installed as described here.
Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that
were provided with the child restraint system.

The rear seat lower anchorages are round bars, located at
the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the seat back,
and are just visible when you lean into the rear seat to
install the child restraint. You will easily feel them if you
run your finger along the intersection of the seatback and
seat cushion surfaces.

In addition, there are tether strap anchorages

behind each rear seating position located in the

bottom of the convertible top well, behind the

seat back. The anchors are under the carpet
cutouts marked with this symbol. (Shown to the left).

Many, but not all restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector for attachment to the lower anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward­facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant
restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a
hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension of the strap.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41

You will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and
on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the
hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next
attach the lower hooks or connectors over the top of the
anchorage bars, pushing aside the seat cover material.
Then lift the carpet flap to expose the tether anchor
directly behind the seat where you are placing the child
restraint and attach the tether strap to provide the most
direct path between the anchor and the child restraint.
Finally, tighten all three straps as you push the child
restraint rearward and downward into the seat, remov­ing slack in the straps according to the child restraint
manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING!

Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.

Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belts

The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching latch
plates which are designed to keep the lap portion tight
around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use
a locking clip. Pulling up on the shoulder portion of the
lap/shoulder belt will tighten the belt. The cinching latch
plate will keep the belt tight, however, any seat belt
system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasion­ally and pull it tight if necessary.

In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening
on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the
buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times
to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the
release button facing out.

If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if by pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, you may need
to do something more. Disconnect the latch plate from
the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch

2

42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the
child restraint secure, try a different seating position.

To attach a child restraint tether strap:

1. Lift the carpet flap to expose the anchor directly behind
the seat where you are placing the child restraint.

Child Tether Anchor Location

2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat.

3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint to
the anchor and remove slack in the tether strap (B)
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc­tions.

Tether Strap Mounting

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43

WARNING!

An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.

Transporting Pets

Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.

Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

The engine in your new vehicle does not require a long
break-in period.

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.

Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.

The crankcase oil installed in the engine at the factory is
a high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with expected climate con­ditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades are in Section
7 of this manual.

2

44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Do not use non-detergent or straight mineral oils.

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and not an indication of a problem.

SAFETY TIPS

Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.

•

Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.

•

If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con­trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.

•

To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the trunk while driving. However, if for some reason it
must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle

Seat Belts

Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45

Airbag Light

The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition

switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.

Defrosters

Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle

Tires

Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ­ing spare) for proper pressure.

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.

Fluid Leaks

Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.

2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 Convertible Top Operation

................49

䡵 Seats

................................61

3

▫ To Lower The Top ......................49

▫ To Raise The Top ......................51

▫ Top Cover Installation ...................52

▫ Top Cover Removal .....................57

䡵 Console Features

䡵 Mirrors

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped ......58

▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped ....59

▫ Electric Remote-Control Mirrors ............60

▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors ................61

..............................58

.......................57

▫ Manual Front Seat Adjustments ............61

▫ Power Driver’s Seat .....................63

▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ..............63

▫ To Fold The Front Seatback Forward .........64

▫ Easy Entry System .....................64

▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ...............65

䡵 To Open And Close The Hood

䡵 Lights

▫ Front Map/Reading Lights ...............67

▫ Interior Lights ........................67

...............................67

.............65

48 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Multi-Function Control Lever ..............69

▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel

Lights ..............................69

▫ Automatic Headlights—If Equipped .........70

▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only) ......70

▫ Lights-On Reminder ....................70

▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ................70

▫ Turn Signals ..........................70

▫ Headlight Beam Select Switch .............71

▫ Flash To Pass .........................71

▫ Headlight Time Delay ...................71

䡵 Windshield Wipers And Washers

...........71

▫ Mist ................................72

▫ Speed Sensitive Intermittent Wiper System ....72

䡵 Tilt Steering Column

䡵 Traction Control— If Equipped

.....................73

.............73

䡵 Electronic Speed Control— If Equipped

......74

▫ To Activate ...........................74

▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ................75

▫ To Deactivate .........................75

▫ To Resume Speed ......................75

▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................75

▫ To Accelerate For Passing ................76

▫ Using Speed Control On Hills .............76

䡵 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped

.........77

▫ Programming The Universal Transceiver ......78

▫ “Rolling Code” Programming .............79

▫ Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . .81

▫ Operation ............................81

▫ Reprogramming A Single Button ...........81

▫ Security .............................81

䡵 Electrical Power Outlet

...................82

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 49

CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION

WARNING!

The convertible top does not provide the structural
protection that a reinforced metal roof does, and the
fabric top cannot be expected to prevent the ejection
of the occupants of a vehicle in a collision. Therefore
it is important that all occupants wear their seat belts
at all times when riding in a convertible. Studies
have shown that it is generally safer to remain inside
a vehicle during a collision, than to be ejected from
the vehicle.

NOTE:

oughly dry before lowering the top.

To Lower The Top:

NOTE:

components, your vehicle is equipped with a feature that
prevents convertible top operation at speeds over 10 mph
(16 km/h).

The top and top storage area should be thor-

To avoid damage to the convertible top or its

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to the sunvisors, rotate the driver’s
and passenger’s sunvisor to the forward (against
glass) position before raising or lowering the con­vertible top.

CAUTION!

To fully insure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop with the gear
selector in the Park position before lowering or
raising the top.

1. To avoid damage to either the top or the rear window,
check the top storage area at the rear of the vehicle
interior to be sure that it is clear of debris or other items.
Be sure that child seat flip up bars are lowered. Do not
use the top storage area for other storage purposes.

2. Turn the ignition key to the On position.

3

50 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Release the top from the windshield header by pulling
both latch handles rearward until the latch hooks are free.

Unlatching Convertible Top

4. Press the Power Top Switch to disengage the top pins
from the header. As soon as the top is free, close both
latch handles.

NOTE:

The Power Top Switch has two detent positions
for lowering the convertible top. Pressing and holding
the Power Top Switch lightly in the first detent position
will automatically lower the convertible top. Pressing
and holding the switch in the second detent position will
lower all four windows and the top to the full down
position.

Power Top Switch

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 51

CAUTION!

Damage to the top material could result if the latch
handles are not completely closed when the top is
lowered. The convertible top cover cannot be in­stalled while the latch handles are open.

To Raise The Top:

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to the sunvisors, rotate the driver’s
and passenger’s sunvisor to the forward (against
glass) position before raising or lowering the con­vertible top.

NOTE:

components, your vehicle is equipped with a feature that
prevents convertible top operation at speeds over 10 mph
(16 km/h).

To avoid damage to the convertible top or its

NOTE:

the top by manually pulling the top until it meets the
windshield and open both front latch handles. Pull the
top until the two pins are seated in the windshield
header. Using the center pull cup, pull down and hook
each latch hook to its striker. Latch both sides. This may
require a considerable amount of physical effort.

If the power convertible top system fails, raise

CAUTION!

To fully insure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop with the gear
selector in the Park position before lowering or
raising the top.

1. Remove the top cover and store it in the trunk.

2. Turn the ignition to the ON position.

3. Press the Power Top Switch to raise the top. Before the
top reaches the windshield, open both front latch
handles. Press the switch again to continue raising the
top until the two pins seat themselves in the windshield
header.

3

52 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4. Use the center pull cup to pull down on the header.
Hook each latch hook to its striker. Latch both sides.

CAUTION!

Car top carriers, ski racks, etc., should not be at­tached to the convertible top mechanism as they will
damage the top.

Top Cover Installation

With the top down and the convertible top latch handles
in the closed position, there are two ways to install the
convertible top cover. Lay the unfolded convertible top
cover across the convertible top and choose the way that
suits you best.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 53

Installation From Inside The Vehicle

1. Kneel on the rear seat and tuck the rear edge and side
edges of the top cover under the black molding near the
trunk.

2. Insert both tabs located on the front of the top cover in
between the seatback and seatback bracket.

3

54 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Snap the top cover flaps to the inner trim panel snaps.
The side of the seat back cushion hides the snap.

Top Cover Flap Hook and Loop Fasteners

4. Press down on the forward portion of the top cover to
engage the hook and loop fasteners.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 55

Installation From Outside The Vehicle

1. Start on one side of the vehicle and tuck as much of the
top cover as possible under the black molding.

2. Snap the top cover flap to the inner trim panel snap.
(The side of the seat back cushion hides the snap.)

3

Top Cover Flap

56 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Tuck the top cover tab closest to you into the space
between the seatback and the seatback bracket.

4. Walk to the other side of the vehicle and finish tucking
the top cover under the black molding. Insert the remain­ing tab between the seatback and the seatback bracket.

5. Snap the remaining top cover flap to the inner trim
panel snap.

Top Cover Flap

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 57

6. Press down on the forward portion of the top cover to
engage the hook and loop fasteners.

Hook and Loop Fasteners

Top Cover Removal

Unsnap the snaps and disengage the hook and loop
fasteners, slide the tabs from the rear seat and then from
the rear of the top storage area. Remove the top cover,
fold, and store in the trunk or a dry secure area.

CONSOLE FEATURES

3

Console

The front console hastwo cup holders. An optiona l
removable ashtray may be located in the driver’s side cup
holder.

58 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The center console/armrest has a pencil /tire gage holder
and a tissue holder mounted on the underside of the
cover. The bottom of the console bin also has built in
holders for compact discs or cassette tapes. The power
outlet is also mounted inside the center console (if
equipped). There are also two cup holders for rear seat
passengers and a rear courtesy lamp located directly in
back of the center console. The center console can be
locked using the “master” key.

Two coin holders are located toward the front of the
inside of the console bin. Both can also accommodate
various combinations of different types of coins, includ­ing some international currencies. The slot on the far left
side is not for coins, but for an optional power outlet, if so
equipped.

MIRRORS

Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped

Adjust the mirror to center on the view through the rear
window. A two point pivot system allows for horizontal
and vertical mirror adjustment. If the driver’s sunvisor
interferes with the mirror, the mirror can be moved to the
right to eliminate the interference.

Rearview Mirror

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 59

Annoying headlight glare can be reduced by moving the
small control under the mirror to the night position
(toward rear of vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted
while set in the day position (toward windshield).

Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped

This mirror will automatically adjust for annoying head­light glare from vehicles behind you. Push in the button
on the face of the mirror to activate the dimming feature.

Automatic Dimming Mirror

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning,
never spray any cleaning solution directly onto the
mirror. Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and
wipe the mirror clean.

3

60 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Electric Remote-Control Mirrors

Both of the outside mirrors can be adjusted by using the
remote controls mounted on the instrument panel located
to the left of the steering wheel.

Power Mirror Controls

NOTE:

Place the mirror selector switch in the center
(neutral) position to prevent accidental movement of the
mirrors.

Outside Mirror Adjustment — Driver’s Side

Adjust the outside mirror to center on the adjacent lane of
traffic, with a slight overlap of the view obtained on the
inside mirror.

Right Side Mirror Adjustment

Adjust the convex outside mirror so you can just see the
side of your vehicle in the part of the mirror closest to the
vehicle.

WARNING!

Vehicles and other objects seen in the right side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your right
side mirror could cause you to collide with another
vehicle or other object. Use your inside mirror when
judging the size or distance of a vehicle seen in this
convex mirror.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 61

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

An illuminated vanity mirror is on each sun visor. To use
the mirror, rotate the sun visor down and swing the
mirror cover upward. The lights will turn on automati­cally. Closing the mirror cover turns off the lights.

Illuminated Vanity Mirror

SEATS

Manual Front Seat Adjustments

Forward/Rearward — If Equipped

The adjusting bar is at the front of the seats, near the
floor. Pull the bar up to move the seat to the desired
position.

Manual Seat Adjuster

Using body pressure, move forward and rearward on the
seat to be sure the seat adjusters have latched.

3

62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Reclining Bucket Seats

The recliner control is on the side of the seat. To recline,
lean forward slightly before lifting the lever, then lean
back to the desired position and release the lever. To
return the seat to the upright position, lean forward
slightly before lifting the lever, then lean forward to the
desired position and release the lever.

Manual Reclining Seat Control

WARNING!

•

Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. The sudden movement of the seat
could cause you to lose control. The seat belt
might not be properly adjusted and you could be
injured. Adjust the seat only while the vehicle is
parked.

•

Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the
shoulder belt is no longer resting against your
chest. In a collision you could slide under the seat
belt and be seriously or even fatally injured. Use
the recliner only when the vehicle is parked.

Lumbar Support — If Equipped

This feature allows you to increase or decrease the
amount of lumbar support. The control lever is located
on the inboard side of the driver’s seatback. Turn the
control lever forward to increase and rearward to de­crease the desired amount of lumbar support.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 63

Power Driver’s Seat

The power seat switches are on the outboard side of the
seat, near the floor. Use the forward switch to move the
front of the seat cushion up and down. Use the rear
switch to move the rear of the seat cushion up and down.
The middle switch will move either the entire seat
forward and rearward or the seat cushion up and down.

The rear lever controls the seatback reclining angle. The
seatback may have to be readjusted if the seat cushion
position is changed.

Power Driver’s Seat Switches

CAUTION!

Do not place any article under a power seat as it may
cause damage to the seat controls.

3

Heated Seats — If Equipped

This feature heats the front driver and passenger seats on
models equipped with leather seats. The controls for the
heated seats are located in the floor console next to the
parking brake.

Heated Seat Switches

64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The left rotary switch controls the heat level for the
driver’s seat, and the right rotary switch controls the heat
level for the passenger’s seat. These switches feature
several heat settings ranging from 0 to 6.

To Fold The Front Seatback Forward:

Turn the high mounted release lever rearward and fold
the seatback forward. If you release the lever early, a
safety feature locks the seat into that position. Turn the
release lever again to continue lowering the seat. Just
before the seatback reaches the full forward position, a
soft “click “ will be heard. This is a signal that the
seatback is unlocked and can be raised without the use of
the release handle. Raise the seatback until it locks into
position.

Easy Entry System

How to operate the passenger front seat:

1. Rotate front seat handle rearward until seat back
releases.

2. While holding the handle, push seat back forward
until a click is heard, then let go of the handle.

3. Continue pushing the entire seat forward until it slides
toward the dashboard.

4. To return seat to a sitting position, push seat rearward.

5. Rotate seat back upright until it locks.

Seatback Release Lever

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65

Adjustable Head Restraints

Head restraints can reduce the risk of whiplash injury in
the event of impact from the rear. Adjust the restraints so
that the upper edge is as high as practical. To raise, pull
up on the head restraint. To lower, depress the button on
the post guide and push down on the head restraint.

Adjustable Head Restraint

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD

To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.

3

Hood Release Lever

66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Then lift the secondary latch located under the front edge
of the hood, near the center and raise the hood.

Hood Safety Catch

Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position. Place the upper end of the prop rod in the hole
marked “prop” on the underside of the hood.

To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the center of the
hood to ensure that both latches engage.

WARNING!

If the hood is not fully latched it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.

LIGHTS

Front Map/Reading Lights

These lights, located under the rearview mirror, come on
whenever a door is opened or the illuminated entry
system is activated. The lights can also be turned on with
the doors closed by means of switches located on the
front of the rearview mirror.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67

3

NOTE:

switches have been turned to the OFF position, so be sure
that they have been turned off before leaving the vehicle.

Interior Lights

The console rear light, map/courtesy lights, and the
optional under-door courtesy lights come on when a
door is opened and the panel lamp dimmer switch
(located on the turn signal control stalk) is in any detent
except fully counter-clockwise (dome lamp ON position)
or fully clockwise (dome lamp OFF position). Rotating
the panel dimmer switch fully counter-clockwise will

The map lights will remain on until the mirror

68 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

turn on the lights. Turn the panel dimmer switch fully
clockwise to prevent the lights from coming on when a
door is opened.

NOTE:

The interior lights have a “fade to off” feature.

When the lights are turned off, they gradually “fade” off.

Dimmer Control

With the parking lights or headlights
on, rotating the dimmer control for the
interior lights on the Multi-Function
Control Lever upward will increase
the brightness of the instrument panel
lights.

Dome Light Position

Rotate the dimmer control completely
upward to the second detent to turn
on the interior lights. The interior
lights will remain on when the dim­mer control is in this position.

Interior light Defeat (OFF)

Rotate the dimmer control to the ex­treme bottom full-circle position. The
interior lights will remain off when the
doors are open.

Daytime Mode (Daytime Brightness Feature)

Rotate the dimmer control to the first
detent (full-circle). This feature bright­ens the odometer and radio display
when the parking lights or headlights
are on during daylight conditions.

Multi-Function Control Lever

Multi-Function Lever

The Multi-Function lever controls the operation of the
headlights, turn signals, headlight beam select switch,
instrument panel light dimming, passing light, dome
light, and fog lights.

Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights

Turn the end of the Multi-Function lever to the first
detent for parking light operation. Turn to the second
detent for headlight operation.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 69

3

Multi-Function lever

To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
turn the center portion of the lever up or down. Turning
the dimmer control to the full up position also turns on
the courtesy lights. Turning the dimmer control to the full
down position prevents the courtesy lights from coming
on when a door is opened.

70 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Headlights—If Equipped

This system automatically turns your headlights on at a
preset level of outdoor lighting. Turn the end of the
control lever to the third detent to turn the system on.
When the system is on, the headlight delay feature is also
on. This means that your headlights will stay on for about
90 seconds after you turn the ignition switch off. To turn
the Automatic system off, turn the control lever clock­wise, to the off position.

NOTE:

The engine must be running before the head­lights will come on in the automatic mode.

NOTE:

The Automatic Headlight System will turn on
the headlights if it detects that the windshield wipers
have been in operation for more than 10 seconds.

Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)

The headlights come on at a low intensity level whenever
the ignition switch is turned on. The lights remain on
until the ignition switch is turned OFF or the parking
brake is engaged. The headlight switch must be used for
normal night time driving.

Lights-on Reminder

If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned off, a chime will sound when the driver’s door
is opened.

Fog Lights — If Equipped

The fog light switch is in the multi-function lever.
To activate the fog lights, turn on the low beam

headlights and pull out the end of the control
lever. A light in the instrument cluster shows when the
fog lights are on.

NOTE:

The switch will turn on the fog lights only if the
low beam headlights are on. Turning on the high beam
headlights turns off the fog lights.

Turn Signals

Move the turn signal lever up or down and the arrows in
the instrument cluster flash to show proper operation of
the front and rear turn signal lights. You can signal a lane
change by moving the lever partially up or down.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71

Headlight Beam Select Switch

Pull the turn signal lever towards you to switch the
headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the turn signal lever a
second time to switch the headlights to LOW beam.

Flash to Pass

You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the turn signal lever toward the steering
wheel. This will cause the headlights to turn on at high
beam and remain on until the lever is released.

Headlight Time Delay

This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for about 90 seconds when leaving your vehicle in an
unlighted area.

To activate the delay, turn off the ignition while the
headlights are still on. Then turn off the headlights. The
delay interval begins when the ignition is turned off.

If the headlights are turned off before the ignition, they
will go off in the normal manner.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS

The wipers and washers are operated by a switch in the
right side control lever. Turn the end of the control lever
to select the desired wiper speed.

Windshield Wiper/Washer Control

NOTE:

Always remove any build-up of snow that
prevents the windshield wiper blades from returning to
the OFF position. If the windshield wiper switch is
turned OFF and the blades cannot return to the OFF
position, damage to the wiper motor may occur.

3

72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To use the washer, pull the lever toward you and hold
while spray is desired. If the lever is pulled while in the
delay range, the wiper will operate for several cycles
after the lever is released, and then resume the intermit­tent interval previously selected.

If the lever is pulled while in the OFF position, the wipers
will operate for several cycles, then turn OFF.

WARNING!

Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to an accident. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with defroster before and during wind­shield washer use.

Mist

Use this feature when weather conditions make occa­sional usage of the wipers necessary. Pull down and
release the control lever for a single wiping cycle.

Speed Sensitive Intermittent Wiper System

Use the intermittent wiper when weather conditions
make a single wiping cycle, with a variable pause be­tween cycles, desirable. Turn the lever to the delay
position, then select the delay interval. The delay can be
regulated from a maximum of approximately 18 seconds
between cycles, to a cycle every 1/2 second.

NOTE:

The wiper delay times depend on vehicle speed.
If the vehicle is moving less than 16 km/h (10 mph),
delay times will be doubled.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73

TILT STEERING COLUMN

To tilt the column, push down on the lever below the turn
signal control and move the wheel up or down, as
desired. Push the lever back up to lock the column firmly
in place.

Tilt Steering Column Control

WARNING!

Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col­umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve­hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.

TRACTION CONTROL— IF EQUIPPED

To turn the Traction Control System Off, press
the switch located on the top of the steering
column, to the right of the hazard switch, until
the Traction Control indicator in the instrument

cluster lights up.

3

74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Traction Control Switch

To turn the Traction Control System On, press the switch
until the Traction Control indicator in the instrument
cluster turns off.

ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL— IF EQUIPPED

When engaged, this device will control the throttle op­eration to maintain a constant vehicle speed between 30
mph (48 km/h) and 85 mph (137 km/h). The controls are
on the steering wheel.

NOTE:

The Traction Control System is enabled each
time the ignition switch is turned On. This will occur
even if you used the switch to turn the system off before
powering down or turning the ignition to Lock.

Speed Control Switches

To Activate:

Press the ON/OFF switch to turn the speed control
system ON. To turn the system OFF, press the ON/OFF
switch again. The system should be turned OFF when not

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75

in use. The CRUISE Indicator in the instrument cluster
will light up when the Speed Control is ON.

NOTE:

system each time the engine is started.

You must press the ON button to activate the

WARNING!

Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system ON
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you aren’t using it.

To Set At A Desired Speed:

When the vehicle has reached the desired speed and the
system is ON, press and release the SET button. Release
the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the selected
speed. The speed control is now Engaged.

To Deactivate:

A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL
button, or normal brake or clutch pressure will deactivate
speed control without erasing the memory. Pushing the
ON/OFF button or turning off the ignition turns the
speed control system off and erases the memory.

To Resume Speed:

To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME/ACCEL button. Resume can be used at any
speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).

To Vary The Speed Setting:

When the speed control is Engaged (actively controlling
to a SET speed), speed can be increased by pressing and
holding the RESUME/ACCEL button. When the button
is released, a new set speed will be established.

Tapping the RESUME/ACCEL button once will result in
a 2 mph (3 km/h) increase in the SET speed. Each time
the button is tapped, the SET speed increases. For ex­ample tapping the button three times will increase speed
by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.

3

76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To decrease speed while speed control is Engaged, press
and hold the COAST button. Releasing the button when
the desired speed is reached, will establish a new SET
speed.

Tapping the COAST button once will result ina1mph
(1.6 km/h) decrease in the SET speed. Each time the
button is tapped, the SET speed decreases. For example,
tapping the button three times will decrease speed by 3
mph (5 km/h).

To Accelerate For Passing:

NOTE:

If the set speed is exceeded by 20 mph (32
km/h) or more during the acceleration, the set speed will
have to manually re-engaged.

Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the SET speed.

Using Speed Control On Hills

Vehicles with automatic transmissions are equipped with
Interactive Speed Control. This feature operates when
travelling up or down hills with the Speed Control
engaged and the driver’s foot off of the accelerator.

When Climbing A Hill

If vehicle speed drops 3 mph (5 km/h) below the Speed
Control set speed, the transaxle will downshift to third
gear. Under severe conditions the transaxle may down­shift again to second gear. The transaxle will upshift to
fourth gear after the vehicle has reached the top of the
hill.

When Descending A Hill

If vehicle speed rises 3 mph (5 km/h) over the Speed
Control set speed, the transaxle will downshift to third
gear. This provides engine braking to keep vehicle speed
under control. The transaxle will not downshift below
third gear to control vehicle overspeed. The transaxle will
upshift to fourth gear after the vehicle has reached the
bottom of the hill.

NOTE:

On very steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain
may occur. It may be preferable to drive without Speed
Control.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77

Rolling Hills

The transaxle may downshift into third gear and remain
there as the vehicle travels over rolling hills. The trans­axle will upshift into fourth gear when the road flattens
out.

The transaxle will resume its normal shift schedule if you
depress the accelerator pedal during any of the above
conditions.

WARNING!

Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.

GARAGE DOOR OPENER — IF EQUIPPED

The HomeLink威 Universal Transceiver replaces up to
three remote controls (hand held transmitters) that oper­ate devices such as garage door openers, motorized
gates, or home lighting. It triggers these devices at the
push of a button. The Universal Transceiver operates off
your vehicle’s battery and charging system; no batteries
are needed.

Homelink Buttons

For additional information on HomeLink威, call 1–800–
355–3515, or on the internet at www.homelink.com.

3

78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

A moving garage door can cause injury to people and
pets in the path of the door. People or pets could be
seriously or fatally injured. Only use this transceiver
with a garage door opener that has a “stop and
reverse” feature as required by federal safety stan­dards. This includes most garage door opener mod­els manufactured after 1982. Do not use a garage
door opener without these safety features it could
cause injury or death. Call toll-free 1–800–355–3515
or, on the Internet at www.homelink.com for safety
information or assistance.

Programming The Universal Transceiver

For best results, install a new battery in the hand held
transmitter before programming. If your garage door
opener (located in the garage) is equipped with an
antenna, make sure that the antenna is hanging straight
down.

1. Turn off the engine.

WARNING!

Vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a danger­ous gas. Do not run the vehicle’s exhaust while
training the transceiver. Exhaust gas can cause seri­ous injury or death.

WARNING!

Your motorized door or gate will open and close
while you are training the Universal Transceiver. Do
not train the transceiver if people or pets are in the
path of the door or gate. A moving door or gate can
cause serious injury or death to people and pets or
damage to objects.

2. Erase the factory test codes by pressing the two
outside buttons. Release the buttons when the light in the
Universal Transceiver begins to flash (about 20 seconds).

NOTE:

additional hand held transmitters.

Step 2 does not have to be followed to program

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

3. Choose one of the three Universal Transceiver buttons
to program. Place the hand held controller one to three
inches from the Universal Transceiver while keeping its
indicator light in view.

Programming Universal Transceiver

4. Using both hands, press the hand held transmitter
button and the desired Universal Transceiver button. Do
not release the buttons until step 5 has been completed.

NOTE:

Some entry gates and garage door openers may
require you to replace step 4 with the procedures listed
under Canadian Programming.

5. The indicator light in the Universal Transceiver will
begin to flash, first slowly and then rapidly. The rapid
flashing indicates successful programming. If after 90
seconds the indicator light does not flash rapidly or goes
out, return to step 1 and repeat the procedure. To train the
other buttons, repeat steps 3 and 4. Be sure to keep your
hand held transmitters in case you need to retrain the
Universal Transceiver.

NOTE:

If you do not successfully program the
Universal Transceiver to learn the signal of your hand
held transmitter, refer to the Rolling Code Paragraph, or
call toll free for customer assistance at 1–800–355–3515,
or on the internet at www.homelink.com.

“Rolling Code” Programming

NOTE:

If your hand held transmitter appears to pro­gram the Universal Transceiver, but your garage door or
other device does not operate, and your device was
manufactured after 1996, your garage door opener or
other device may have a “Rolling Code” system.

3

80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

On garage door openers with the “Rolling Code” feature,
the transmitter code changes after each use to prevent the
copying of your code.

To check if your device is protected by a “Rolling Code”
system:

•

Check the owner’s manual for the device for mention
of “Rolling Codes”.

•

Press and hold the programmed button on the Univer­sal Transceiver. If the Universal Transceiver indicator
light flashes rapidly and then stays on after 2 seconds,
the device has the “Rolling Code” feature.

To train a garage door opener (or other rolling code
equipped devices) with the rolling code feature, follow
these instructions after completing the Programming
portion of this text:

NOTE:

The assistance of a second person may make the

following programming procedure quicker and easier.

1. Locate the training button on the garage door motor
head unit. The exact location and color of the button may
vary by garage door opener manufacturer. If you have

difficulty in locating the training button, check your
garage door opener manual, or call 1-800-355-3515 or, on
the Internet, at www.homelink.com.

2. Press and hold the training button on the garage door
opener head unit This will activate the “training” light.

NOTE:

After completing step 2, you have 30 seconds to

start step 3.

3. Return to the Universal Transceiver in the vehicle and
firmly press and release the garage door button. Press
and release the button a second time to complete the
training process. Some garage door openers may require
you to do this procedure a third time to complete the
training.

Your garage door opener should now recognize your
Universal Transceiver. The remaining two buttons may
now be programmed if this has not previously been
done. Refer to the Programming instructions. You may
use either your Universal Transceiver or your original
hand-held transmitter to open you garage door.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81

Canadian Programming/Gate Programming

Canadian frequency laws, and the technology of some
entry gates, require you to press and release the hand
held transmitter button every two seconds during pro­gramming

Continue to press and hold the Universal Transceiver
button while you press and release the hand held trans­mitter button until the frequency signal has been learned.
The Universal Transceiver light will flash slowly and
then rapidly when the programming is successful.

NOTE:

or gate, unplug the device to prevent possible damage to
the garage door or gate motor.

Operation

Press and hold the desired button on the Universal
Transceiver until the garage door or other device begins
to operate. The light in the display shows that the signal
is being transmitted. The hand held transmitter may also
be used at any time.

When programming such a garage door opener

Reprogramming A Single Button

1. Press and hold the Universal Transceiver button to be
reprogrammed. Do not release until step 4 has been
completed.

2. When the indicator light begins to flash slowly (after
20 seconds) position the hand held transmitter one to
three inches away from the button to be trained.

3. Press and hold the hand held transmitter button.

4. The Universal Transceiver indicator light will begin to
flash, first slowly, then rapidly. When the indicator lights
begin to flash rapidly, release both buttons.

Security

If you sell your vehicle, be sure to erase the frequencies.

To erase all of the previously trained frequencies, hold
down both outside buttons until the green light begins to
flash.

This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:

3

82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

NOTE:

Changes or modifications not expressly ap­proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

HomeLink威 is a trademark owned by Johnson Controls,
Inc.

ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET

The power outlet is located in the lower center of your
instrument panel. A second power outlet is located inside
the center console, if so equipped. All accessories con­nected to any outlet should be removed or turned off
when the vehicle is not in use.

CAUTION!

Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off

•

Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.

•

Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.) will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter­mittently and with greater caution.

•

After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.

•

Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or acces­sory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CONTENTS

䡵 Instruments And Controls

䡵 Instrument Cluster Standard

䡵 Instrument Cluster Premium

䡵 Instrument Cluster – GTC Model

䡵 Instrument Cluster Description

䡵 Compass, Temperature, And Trip Computer

Display — If Equipped

▫ Control Buttons .......................97

▫ Trip Conditions ........................98

▫ Compass Temperature Display .............98

䡵 Cigar Lighter/Ashtray

䡵 Electronic Digital Clock

.................87

...............88

...............89

...........90

.............91

...................97

..................100

.................100

▫ To Set The Clock ......................101

䡵 Radio General Information

▫ Radio Broadcast Signals .................101

▫ Two Types Of Signals ..................101

▫ Electrical Disturbances ..................101

▫ AM Reception .......................101

▫ FM Reception ........................101

䡵 Sales Code RAZ—AM/ FM Stereo Radio

With Cassette Tape Player, CD Player And
CD Changer Controls

▫ Operating Instructions — Radio ...........102

▫ Power Switch, Volume Control ............102

...............101

...................102

4

84 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫ Seek Button (Radio Mode) ...............102

▫ Tuning .............................102

▫ Radio Data System (RDS) ...............102

▫ PTY (Program Type) Button ..............103

▫ Balance ............................104

▫ Fade ..............................104

▫ Tone Control ........................104

▫ AM/FM Selection .....................104

▫ Scan Button .........................104

▫ To Set The Radio Push-Button Memory ......105

▫ To Change From Clock To Radio Mode ......105

▫ Operating Instructions — Tape Player .......105

▫ Seek Button .........................105

▫ Fast Forward (FF) .....................106

▫ Rewind (RW) ........................106

▫ Tape Eject ...........................106

▫ Scan Button .........................106

▫ Changing Tape Direction ................106

▫ Metal Tape Selection ...................106

▫ Pinch Roller Release ...................106

▫ Noise Reduction ......................106

▫ Operating Instructions — CD Player ........107

▫ Inserting The Compact Disc ..............107

▫ Seek Button .........................108

▫ EJT CD (Eject) Button ..................108

▫ FF/Tune/RW ........................108

▫ Program Button 4 (Random Play) ..........108

▫ Mode ..............................108

▫ Tape CD Button ......................109

▫ Time Button .........................109

▫ Scan Button .........................109

▫ CD Changer Control Capability —

If Equipped .........................109

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 85

䡵 Sales Code RBB—AM/FM Stereo Radio

With Cassette Tape Player And
CD Changer Capability

▫ Radio Operation ......................110

▫ Mode Button ........................112

▫ Scan Button (Radio Mode) ...............112

▫ Cassette Player Features ................113

▫ CD Changer Control Capability —

If Equipped .........................114

䡵 Sales Code RBK—AM/ FM Stereo Radio

With CD Player And CD Changer Controls

▫ Radio Operation ......................115

▫ CD Player Operation ...................117

▫ CD Changer Control Capability —

If Equipped .........................119

䡵 Sales Code RB1—AM/FM Stereo Radio With

DVD/GPS Navigation System

..................110

...115

............121

䡵 6 Disc CD Changer — If Equipped

▫ Loading The CD Changer ...............122

▫ Playing Discs ........................122

▫ Seek Button .........................122

▫ FF/Tune/RW ........................122

▫ Mode Button ........................122

▫ Program Button 1 .....................123

▫ Program Button 4 (Random Play) ..........123

▫ Program Button 5 .....................123

▫ Time Button .........................123

▫ Changing Modes ......................123

▫ Removing Discs From The CD Changer .....123

▫ CD Changer Operation With

The Changer Off ......................124

.........121

4

86 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

䡵 Remote Sound System Controls —

If Equipped

..........................124

▫ Radio Operation ......................125

▫ Tape Player .........................125

▫ CD Player — Single Disc In Radio .........125

▫ CD Player — 6 Disc CD Changer ..........125

䡵 Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance

......126

䡵 Compact Disc Maintenance

䡵 Radio Operation And Cellular Phones

䡵 Climate Controls

......................128

...............126

.......127

▫ Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) —

If Equipped .........................128

▫ Manual Air Conditioning/Heater Control —

If Equipped .........................134

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 87

4

88 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STANDARD

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PREMIUM

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 89

4

90 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER – GTC MODEL

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION

1. Fuel Gauge

When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.

2. Traction Control — If Equipped

This display indicator illuminates momentarily

as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first

turned ON. The indicator will blink during an

active traction event, but will remain solid
when the system is deactivated or if a system malfunc­tion occurs.

The Traction Control indicator will turn ON if:

•

The Traction Control system is in use.

•

The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.

•

There is an Anti-Lock Brake system malfunction or
Traction Control system malfunction.

•

The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem­peratures.

NOTE:

cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control indicator. This is to prevent overheating of the
brake system and is a normal condition. The system will
remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have
cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn
off the Traction Control indicator.

3. Cruise Light — If Equipped

This light shows that the Speed Control System is ON.
This light will also illuminate for a 5–second bulb check
when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON
position.

4. Airbag Light

come on during starting, have the bulb replaced. If the
light stays on, or comes on while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.

Extended heavy use of Traction Control may

The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb does not

4

92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5. Tachometer

The red area of the scale shows the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear
range. Before reaching the red area (over 6,500 rpm), ease
up on the accelerator to prevent engine over speed.

6. Turn Signal Indicators

The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn
signal, when using the turn signal lever.

7. High Beam Indicator

This light shows that the headlights are on high

beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.

8. Speedometer

Shows the vehicle speed in miles-per-hour and
kilometers-per-hour.

9. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical

charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or

comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or Rear
Defroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDI­ATELY. See your local authorized dealer.

10. Malfunction Indicator Light

This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and

automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate as long as the key is in the ON
position, prior to engine start up. Approximately 15
seconds later the MIL may blink for 10 seconds then
resume to full illumination. (See “EMISSIONS IN­SPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS” in
the “MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” section of
your Owner Manual for more details). If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON,
have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 93

through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.

The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.

11. Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

This light shows when the fog lights are ON.

12. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal

range (approximately mid point on the scale)
shows that the cooling system is operating properly.
The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal
temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun­tain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.

If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.

There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to
maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan
control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the cooling system.

13. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine cool­ant condition.

14. Transmission Range Indicator

This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans­mission gear selection.

An optional AutoStick Gear Indicator displays the current
transaxle gear when in AutoStick mode.

15. Odometer/Trip Odometer

The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.

4

94 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There­fore, if the odometer reading is changed, during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.

The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press and release
the Trip Odometer button. Press and release the Trip
button a second time to return to the odometer. While in

1

trip mode, press and hold the button for at least

⁄2second

to reset the trip odometer.

Door, Deck or Trunk Ajar Warnings

If you move the vehicle and a door is not completely
closed, the word DOOR will replace the odometer dis­play and a chime will sound once. The odometer display
will reappear when the door is closed. If the trunk is not
completely closed, the word DECK will replace the
odometer display. The odometer display will reappear
when the trunk is closed.

16. Anti-Lock Warning Light — If Equipped

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System

described elsewhere in this manual. This light
will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
RUN position and may stay on for several seconds. If
the light does not come on, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. The warning light should be
checked frequently to assure that it is operating prop­erly.

If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.

17. Oil Pressure Light

Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will

come on and remain on briefly when the igni­tion is turned on as a bulb check. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb repaired
promptly.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 95

If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. Do not operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected.

The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.

18. Brake System Warning Light

This light monitors both the brake fluid level
and the parking brake. If the light comes on,
it indicates either that the parking brake is

on or there is a low fluid level in the brake
master cylinder. On vehicles equipped with Anti-lock
(ABS), the brake light may also indicate reduced
braking performance.

If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.

WARNING!

Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger­ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have an accident. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.

The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
RUN position. (Refer to “A Word About Your Keys,
Ignition Key Removal” in this manual for an illustration
of the ignition positions.) The light should come on. If the
light does not come on, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.

The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the RUN position.

NOTE:

on. It does not show the degree of brake application.

This light shows only that the parking brake is

4

96 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

In an ABS equipped vehicle, the Brake System Warning
light will come on if the ABS light is not functioning or if
the ABS system is not communicating.

19. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 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
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer to ⬙Enhanced Driver
Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert™)⬙ in the Occu­pant Restraints section for more information.

20. Theft Alarm Light — If Equipped

The light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for
15 seconds. This shows that the system is arming. If the
light comes on but does not flash, the system is still
armed, but there is a problem in the trunk circuit. After 15
seconds the light will continue to flash slowly. This
shows that the system is fully armed.

21. Low Fuel Light

When the fuel level drops to about 21⁄2gallons (9

1

⁄2liters), the fuel symbol will light and remain lit

until fuel is added.

22. Trip Odometer Button

Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to trip odometer. The word TRIP will appear
when in the trip odometer mode. To reset the trip
odometer, press and hold the button for at least 1/2
second.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 97

COMPASS, TEMPERATURE, AND TRIP
COMPUTER DISPLAY — IF EQUIPPED

Trip Computer Display

This feature allows you to choose between a compass /
temperature display and one of five trip conditions being
monitored.

Control Buttons

Step Button

Use this button to choose or cycle through the five trip
conditions.

Reset

The following trip conditions can be reset:

• AVG ECO (changes to present fuel economy)

• ODO

• ET

To reset only the trip condition currently displayed, press
and release the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously
until a chime sounds. To reset all trip conditions, hold
down the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously
(about 2 seconds) until a second chime sounds and then
release the buttons.

NOTE:

The screen must display one of the trip condi­tions above in order to reset either (or all) of these
conditions.

US / M Button

Use this button to change the display from U.S. to metric
measurement units.

4

98 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Trip Conditions

Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)

This display shows the average fuel economy since the
last reset.

Estimated Range (DTE)

This display shows the estimated distance that can be
traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank. This esti­mated distance is based on the most recent trip informa­tion: (Average Fuel Economy) x (Fuel Remaining)

This display cannot be reset.

Present Fuel Economy (ECO)

This display shows fuel economy for the last few sec­onds.

This display cannot be reset.

Trip Odometer (ODO)

This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset.

Elapsed Time (ET)

This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset.

Compass Temperature Display

This display provides the outside temperature and one of
eight compass readings to indicate the direction the
vehicle is facing.

WARNING!

Even if the display still reads a few degrees above
32°F(0°C), the road surface may be icy, particularly
in woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such
conditions to prevent an accident and possible per­sonal injury or property damage.

Compass Calibration

The Automatic Compass Calibration feature eliminates
the need for the operator intervention under normal
conditions. If the CAL indicator is lit, the compass needs
to be calibrated. A good calibration requires a level
surface and an environment free of large metal objects
such as large buildings, bridges, underground cables,
railroad tracks, etc.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 99

Automatic Compass Calibration

The self-calibrating feature of the compass eliminates the
need to calibrate the compass for normal conditions.
During a short initial period, the compass may appear
erratic and the CAL symbol will appear on the display.
After the vehicle has completed at least one complete
circle in an area free from large metal objects, calibration
will be complete when the CAL symbol is extinguished.

After initial calibration, the compass will continue to
automatically update this calibration whenever the ve­hicle is in motion.

Manual Compass Calibration

Compass calibration can also be requested. To manually
calibrate the compass, use the STEP button to step to the
compass/ temperature display and then hold down both
the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously until the
CAL symbol is displayed. Release the buttons once the
CAL symbol appears. Manual compass calibration has
been initiated at this point. Drive the vehicle in circles in
an area free from large metal objects until the CAL
symbol is extinguished.

When the CAL indicator goes off, the compass is cali­brated and should display correct headings. Verify
proper calibration by checking North (N), South (S), East
(E), and West (W). If the compass does not appear
accurate, repeat the calibration procedure in another area.

Compass Variance

Variance is the difference between magnetic North and
geographic North. For proper compass function, the
correct variance zone must be set.

Setting the Compass Variance

Refer to the variance map for the correct compass vari­ance zone. To check the variance zone, the ignition must
be on and the compass / temperature displayed. Hold
down both the US / M and STEP buttons simultaneously
until the VAR symbol is lit and then immediately release
both buttons. The current variance zone will now be
displayed. To change the zone, press the STEP button
until the correct zone is displayed. Wait for about 5
seconds. The trip computer will store this variance in
memory and the compass will resume normal operation.

4

100 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Outside Temperature

If the outside temperature is more than 131°F (55°C), the
display will show 131°F. When the outside temperature is
less than ⫺40°F(⫺40°C), the display will show ⫺40°F/C.

CIGAR LIGHTER/ASHTRAY

For a nominal charge your dealer can provide a “smok­er’s” package. This package consists of a cigar lighter and
an ashtray that utilizes one of the cup holders.

ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK

The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in hours
and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or
ACC position. Whenever the radio is turned on, it first
comes up on either tape, cd or radio, whichever was
previously on, and will revert back to Time/Clock after a
few seconds. If Time/Clock was not previously selected,
the display will revert back to whichever was previously
on after a few seconds, whether it was tape, cd or radio.

When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, pressing
the Time button will cause the radio to display time for
several seconds, then turn off.