Ford ESCORT 1999 Owner Manual

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Page 1

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 3

Controls and features 14

Seating and safety restraints 61

Starting and driving

Starting 83

Driving 89

Roadside emergencies 105

Servicing

Maintenance and care 123

Capacities and specifications 174

Customer assistance 181

Reporting safety defects 193

Index 194

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company.

Copyrightr1998 Ford Motor Company

Page 2

Introduction

ICONS

Indicates a safety alert. Read the following section on Warnings.

Indicates vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow.

Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards protecting the environment.

Indicates a message regarding child safety restraints. Refer to Seating and safety restraints for more information.

Indicates that this Owner Guide contains information on this subject. Please refer to the Index to locate the appropriate section which will provide you more information.

WARNINGS

Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

Page 3

Instrumentation

Page 4

Instrumentation

Foglamp control *

Headlamp

control

(pg. 42)

(pg. 44)

MIRROR L

FUEL FILL

LOW FUEL

Instrument cluster

(pg. 6)

60 70

100

000113

120

THEFT

140

160

100

RPMx1000

Power side

view mirrors*

(pg. 14)

*if equipped

Instrument panel

dimmer switch

(pg. 14)

Speed control*

(pg. 44)

Driver side air bag

(pg. 71)

Page 5

Windshield wiper/

washer control

(pg. 49)

MIST

OFF

Instrumentation

Passenger side air bag

(pg. 71)

SEEK

TRACK

TUNE DISCS

AM FM

SCAN

VOL PUSH ON

PREMIUM SOUND

23456

SIDE 1-2

Climate control system

(pg. 37)

TAPE

BASS

REW

DOLBYB NR

COMP

SHUF

A/C

MAX A/C

TREB

BAL

FADE

OFF

R.DEF

Electronic sound system

(pg. 15)

Page 6

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES Base instrument cluster

km/h

MPH

km/h

MPH

FUEL FILL

SERVICE

ENGINE

LOW

FUEL

SOON

BRAKE

ABS

Sport instrument cluster

BRAKE

ABS

LOW FUEL

FUEL FILL

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

100

0000000

0 0 0

100

120

0000000

0 0 0

120

140

100

160

110

180

200

120

+–

THEFT

140

100

160

110

180

200

120

RPMx1000

7 8

+–

THEFT

ZX2 coupe instrument cluster

FUEL

FILL

LOW FUEL

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

BRAKE

+–

ABS

MPH

60 70

120

100

0000000

0 0 0

km/h

140

THEFT

160

100

180

110

RPMx1000

7 8

120

Page 7

Instrumentation

Low fuel

Illuminates as an early reminder of a low fuel condition indicated on the fuel gauge. The light comes on when there is approximately 1/16th of a tank indicated on the fuel gauge (refer to Fuel gauge in this chapter for more information). The ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON position regardless of the fuel level.

Service engine soon

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). The OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to

illuminate. Examples are:

The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other

LOW

FUEL

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

Page 8

Instrumentation

temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior

floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Air bag readiness

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned ON. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Safety belt

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position, the engine is off and the parking brake is engaged. If the brake warning lamp does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.

P !

BRAKE

Page 9

Instrumentation

Shift indicator light (if equipped)

To maximize fuel economy, the shift indicator light illuminates when the manual transmission should be shifted to the next highest gear.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If one or both of the indicators stay on continuously or flash faster, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer to Exterior bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

ABS

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Anti-theft system (if equipped)

Refer to SecuriLocky passive anti-theft system in the Controls and features chapter.

THEFT

Page 10

Instrumentation

Charging system

Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

Engine oil pressure

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and Care chapter.

Liftgate ajar (if equipped)

Illuminates when the ignition is in the ON position and the liftgate is open.

Safety belt warning chime

Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating

and safety restraints chapter.

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime

For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

Page 11

GAUGES Base instrument cluster gauges

MPH km/h

FUEL FILL

SERVICE

ENGINE

LOW

FUEL

SOON

BRAKE

ABS

Sport instrument cluster gauges

MPH km/h

LOW FUEL

FUEL FILL

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

BRAKE

ABS

100

0000000

0 0 0

100

0000000

0 0 0

Instrumentation

120

140

100

160

110

180

200

120

140

100

160

110

180

200

120

THEFT

RPMx1000

THEFT

+–

7 8

+–

ZX2 coupe instrument cluster gauges

60 70

120

100

0000000

MPH

0 00

FUEL

FILL

LOW FUEL

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

BRAKE

+–

ABS

km/h

140

THEFT

160

100

180

110

RPMx1000

7 8

120

Page 12

Instrumentation

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

FUEL

FILL

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication will not be accurate.

Page 13

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

Trip odometer

Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

Instrumentation

60 70

MPH

100

0000000

0 00

60 70

100

0 00000

0 00

60 70

120

100

0 00000

0000

120

140

km/h

140

km/h

140

km/h

160

100

180

120

100

180

120

100

180

120

110

Tachometer (if equipped)

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

Driving with your tachometer pointer in the red zone may damage the engine.

THEFT

RPMx1000

Page 14

Controls and features

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel during headlamp and parklamp operation.

Coupe

• Rotate up to brighten.

• Rotate down to dim.

Sedan/Wagon

• Rotate left to brighten.

• Rotate right to dim.

POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)

The ignition must be in ACC or ON position to adjust the power side view mirrors.

To adjust your mirrors:

1. Select L to adjust the left mirror or R to adjust the right mirror.

MIRRORS L R

Page 15

Controls and features

2. Move the control in the direction you wish to tilt the mirror.

3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place.

TRUNK REMOTE CONTROL

Press the remote trunk release control on the instrument panel to open the trunk.

USING YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM AM/FM stereo

MIRRORS L R

SEEK

TUNE

SCAN

VOL PUSH ON

123456

A/C

MAX

A/C

BASS

TREB

BAL

FADE

OFF

R.DEF

Page 16

Controls and features

Volume/power control

Press the control to turn the audio system on or off.

VOL PUSH ON

Turn control to raise or lower volume.

VOL PUSH ON

If the volume is set above a certain level and the ignition is turned off, the volume will come back on at a “nominal” listening level when the ignition switch is turned back on. If you wish to maintain your preset volume level, turn the audio system off with the power control before switching off the ignition.

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio mode.

AM/FM select in radio mode

This control allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands. Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations.

Page 17

Tune adjust

The tune control works in radio mode.

Tune adjust in radio mode

• Press the to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the

to move through the

frequencies quickly.

• Press the to move to the next frequency up the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the

for quick movement.

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio mode.

Controls and features

SEEK

TUNE

SEEK

TUNE

Scan function

The scan function works in radio mode.

SEEK

TUNE

SEEK

SCAN

TUNE

Page 18

Controls and features

Scan function in radio mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a brief sampling of all listenable stations on the frequency band. Press the control again to stop the scan mode.

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with six station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to six preset AM stations and twelve FM stations (six in FM1 and six in FM2).

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency band with

the AM/FM select control.

2. Select a station. Refer to Tune adjust or Seek function for more

information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a memory preset

control until the sound returns,

123456

indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

Bass/treble adjust

• The bass adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

• The treble adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s treble output.

BASS TREB

–+

BAL

FADE

Page 19

Controls and features

Speaker balance/fade adjust

• Speaker sound distribution can be adjusted between the right and left speakers.

• Press the BAL control. Toggle between the + and — control to adjust the speaker sound.

• Speaker sound can be adjusted between the front and rear speakers.

• Press the FADE control. Toggle between the + and — control to adjust the speaker sound.

Setting the clock

To set the hour, press the hour (h) control and press:

• (+) to increase hour and

• (−) to decrease hour

To set the minute, press the minute (m) control and press:

• (+) to increase minutes and

• (−) to decrease minutes

BASS TREB

–+

BAL

:01

FADE

12:

Page 20

Controls and features

AM/FM Stereo/Cassette

SCAN

VOL PUSH ON

SIDE 1-2

23456

SEEK

TUNE

Volume/power control

Press the control to turn the audio system on or off.

Turn control to raise or lower volume.

DOLBY B NR

MAX

REW

A/C

TAPE

BASS

OFF

A/C

TREB

BAL

FADE

R.DEF

VOL PUSH ON

Page 21

Controls and features

volume level, turn the audio system off with the power control before switching off the ignition.

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio modes.

AM/FM select in radio mode

This control allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands. Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations.

AM/FM select in tape mode

Press this control to stop tape play and begin radio play.

Tune adjust

The tune control works in radio mode.

SEEK

TUNE

Tune adjust in radio mode

• Press the to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the

to move through the

frequencies quickly.

• Press the to move to the next frequency up the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold

for quick movement.

SEEK

TUNE

Page 22

Controls and features

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio or tape mode.

SEEK

TUNE

Seek function in radio mode

• Press to find the next listenable station down the frequency band.

• Press

Seek function in tape mode

• Press to listen to the previous selection on the tape.

• Press

Scan function

The scan function works in radio or tape mode.

to find the next listenable station up the frequency band.

to listen to the next selection on the tape.

SEEK

SCAN

TUNE

Scan function in radio mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a brief sampling of all listenable stations on the frequency band. Press the control again to stop the scan mode.

Scan function in tape mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a short sampling of all selections on the tape. (The tape scans in a forward direction. At the end of the tape’s first side, direction automatically reverses to the opposite side of the tape.) To stop on a particular selection, press the control again.

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with six station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to six preset AM stations and twelve FM stations (six in FM1 and six in FM2).

Page 23

Controls and features

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency band with

the AM/FM select control.

2. Select a station. Refer to Tune adjust or Seek function for more

information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a memory preset

control until the sound returns,

23456

SIDE 1-2

indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

Bass/treble adjust

• The bass adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

• The treble adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s treble output.

Speaker balance/fade adjust

• Speaker sound distribution can be adjusted between the right and left speakers.

• Press the BAL control. Toggle between the + and — control to adjust the speaker sound.

• Speaker sound can be adjusted between the front and rear speakers.

• Press the FADE control. Toggle between the + and — control to adjust the speaker sound.

BASS TREB

–+

BAL

BASS TREB

–+

BAL

FADE

Page 24

Controls and features

Inserting a tape

Push only slightly when inserting a cassette tape (with the open edge

DOLBY B NR

REW

to the right). A cassette deck loading mechanism pulls the tape in the rest of the way.

You can switch from radio to tape play by inserting a tape into the cassette deck.

Tape play select

Insert a tape to begin tape play. Push only slightly when inserting a cassette tape (with the open edge to

the right). A cassette deck loading mechanism pulls the tape in the rest of the way.

Rewind

The rewind control works in tape mode.

• In tape mode, radio play will

REW

continue until rewind is stopped (with the TAPE control) or the beginning of the tape is reached.

Fast forward

The fast forward control works in tape mode.

• In the tape mode, tape direction

REW

will automatically reverse when the end of the tape is reached.

Tape side select

Press this control to play the alternate side of a tape.

SIDE 1-2

Page 25

Eject function

Press the control to stop and eject a tape.

DolbyTnoise reduction

Dolbyt noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation operates only in tape mode. Dolbyt reduces the amount of hiss and static during tape playback.

Press the

button to activate (and

deactivate) Dolbyt noise reduction.

Setting the clock

To set the hour, press the hour (h) control and press:

• (+) to increase hour and

• (−) to decrease hour

Controls and features

DOLBY B NR

REW

12:

To set the minute, press the minute (m) control and press:

• (+) to increase minutes and

• (−) to decrease minutes

:01

Page 26

Controls and features

Premium AM/FM Stereo/Cassette/ Premium Sound (Radio Controlled CD Changer Compatible)

SCAN

VOL PUSH ON

SIDE 1-2

PREMIUM SOUND

23456

SEEK

TRACK

TUNE DISCS

Volume/power control

Press the control to turn the audio system on or off.

Turn control to raise or lower volume.

DOLBY B NR

COMP

MAX

A/C

REW

TAPE

BASS

SHUF

OFF

A/C

TREB

BAL

FADE

R.DEF

VOL PUSH ON

If the volume is set above a certain level and the ignition is turned off, the volume will come back on at a “nominal” listening level when the

Page 27

Controls and features

ignition switch is turned back on. If you wish to maintain your preset volume level, turn the audio system off with the power control before switching off the ignition.

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio, tape and CD modes (if equipped).

AM/FM select in radio mode

This control allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands. Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations.

AM/FM select in tape mode

Press this control to stop tape play and begin radio play.

AM/FM select in CD mode

Press this control to stop CD play and begin radio play. You can switch from CD play to tape play by simply inserting a tape into

the cassette deck.

Tune adjust

The tune control works in radio or CD mode (if equipped).

SEEK

TRACK

TUNE

DISCS

Page 28

Controls and features

Tune adjust in radio mode

• Press the to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the control to move through the frequencies quickly.

• Press the right side of the control to move to the next frequency up the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold for quick movement.

Tune adjust for CD mode (if equipped)

• Press the to select the previous disc in the CD changer. (Play will begin on the first track of the disc unless the CD changer is in shuffle mode. Refer to Shuffle feature for more information. Hold the control to continue reversing through the disc.

• Press

to select the next disc in the CD changer. Hold the control

to fast-forward through the remaining discs.

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio, tape or CD mode (if equipped).

SEEK

TRACK

TUNE

DISCS

SEEK

TRACK

TUNE

DISCS

SEEK

TRACK

TUNE

DISCS

Seek function in radio mode

• Press to find the next listenable station down the frequency band.

• Press to find the next listenable station up the frequency band.

Page 29

Controls and features

Seek function in tape mode

• Press to listen to the previous selection on the tape.

• Press

Seek function in CD mode (if equipped)

• Press to seek to the previous track of the current disc. If a selection has been playing for three seconds or more and you press

• Press the last track has been completed, the first track of the current disc will automatically replay.

Scan function

The scan function works in radio, tape or CD mode (if equipped).

Scan function in radio mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a brief sampling of all listenable stations on the frequency band. Press the control again to stop the scan mode.

Scan function in tape mode

Scan function in CD mode (if equipped)

Press the SCAN control to hear a short sampling of all selections on the CD. (The CD scans in a forward direction, wrapping back to the first track at the end of the CD.) To stop on a particular selection, press the control again.

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with six station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to six preset AM stations and twelve FM stations (six in FM1 and six in FM2).

to listen to the next selection on the tape.

, the CD changer will replay that selection from the beginning.

to seek forward to the next track of the current disc. After

SEEK

TRACK

SCAN

TUNE

DISCS

Page 30

Controls and features

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency band with

the AM/FM select control.

2. Select a station. Refer to Tune adjust or Seek function for more

information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a memory preset

control until the sound returns,

SIDE 1-2

23456

indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

Bass/treble adjust

• The bass adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

• The treble adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s treble output.

COMP

BASS TREB

–+

BAL

FADE

SHUF

Speaker balance/fade adjust

• Speaker sound distribution can be adjusted between the right and left speakers.

• Speaker sound can be adjusted between the front and rear speakers.

BASS TREB

–+

BAL

FADE

Page 31

Controls and features

Inserting a tape

Push only slightly when inserting a cassette tape (with the open edge

to the right). A cassette deck loading mechanism pulls the tape in the rest of the way.

You can switch from CD (if equipped) to tape play by inserting a tape into the cassette deck.

Tape play select

Insert a tape to begin tape play. Push only slightly when inserting a cassette tape (with the open edge to

the right). A cassette deck loading mechanism pulls the tape in the rest of the way.

Rewind

The rewind control works in tape and CD modes (if equipped).

REW

• In tape mode, radio play will continue until rewind is stopped (with the TAPE control) or the beginning of the tape is reached.

• In CD mode, pressing the REW control for less than three seconds results in slow rewind. Pressing the control for more than three seconds results in fast rewind.

Fast forward

The fast forward control works in tape and CD modes (if equipped).

• In the tape mode, tape direction

REW

will automatically reverse when the end of the tape is reached.

• In CD mode, pressing the control for less than three seconds results in slow forward action. Pressing the control for more than three seconds results in fast forward action.

DOLBY B NR

REW

Page 32

Controls and features

Tape side select

Press this control to play the alternate side of a tape.

Eject function

Press the control to stop and eject a tape.

DolbyTnoise reduction

Dolbyt noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation operates only in tape mode. Dolbyt reduces the amount of hiss and static during tape playback.

Press the deactivate) Dolbyt noise reduction.

button to activate (and

SIDE 1-2

DOLBY B NR

REW

Compression adjust

Compression adjust works in CD mode (if equipped), and brings soft and loud CD passages together for a more consistent listening level.

Press the COMP control to activate and deactivate compression adjust.

COMP

Page 33

Shuffle feature

The shuffle feature operates in CD mode (if equipped) and plays all tracks on the current disc in random order. If equipped with the CD changer, the shuffle feature continues to the next disc after all tracks are played.

Press the SHUFFLE control to start this feature. Random order play will continue until the SHUFFLE control is pressed again.

Setting the clock

To set the hour, press the hour (h) control and press:

• (+) to increase the hour and

• (−) to decrease the hour

To set the minute, press the minute (m) control and press:

• (+) to increase the minute and

• (−) to decrease the minute

Controls and features

SHUF

12:

:01

Page 34

Controls and features

CD changer (if equipped)

The CD changer is located in the trunk of your vehicle. Slide the door to access the CD

changer magazine.

Press

to eject the magazine.

Make sure only one disc is inserted in each slot. Each disc must be inserted with the label surface upward. You may insert up to six CDs.

DIGITAL AUDIO

COMPACT

6 5 4

6 COMPACT DISC MAGAZINE

3 2 1

Page 35

Controls and features

The magazine does not need to be full for the changer to operate.

Radio power must be turned on to play the CDs in the changer. The magazine may be stored in the glove box when not being used.

The CD magazine may be inserted or ejected with the radio power off.

Troubleshooting the CD changer (if equipped)

The laser beam used in the compact disc player is harmful to the eyes. Do not attempt to disassemble the case.

If sound skips:

• You may be traveling on a rough road, playing badly scratched discs or the disc may be dirty. Skipping will not scratch the discs or damage the player.

If your changer does not work, it may be that:

• A disc is already loaded where you want to insert a disc.

• The disc is inserted with the label surface downward.

• The disc is dusty or defective.

• The player’s internal temperature is above 60°C (140°F). Allow the

player to cool down before operating.

• A disc with format and dimensions not within industry standards is inserted.

Cleaning compact discs

Inspect all discs for contamination before playing. If necessary, clean discs only with an approved CD cleaner and wipe from the center out to the edge. Do not use circular motion.

Page 36

Controls and features

CD and CD changer care

• Handle discs by their edges only. Never touch the playing surface.

• Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended

periods of time.

• Do not insert more than one disc into each slot of the CD changer magazine.

Cleaning cassette player (if equipped)

Clean the tape player head with a cassette cleaning cartridge after ten to twelve hours of play in order to maintain the best sound and operation.

Cassette and cassette player care

• Use only cassettes that are 90 minutes long or less.

• Do not expose tapes to direct sunlight, high humidity, extreme heat or

extreme cold. Allow tapes that may have been exposed to extreme temperatures to reach a moderate temperature before playing.

• Tighten very loose tapes by inserting a finger or pencil into the hole and turning the hub.

• Remove loose labels before inserting tapes.

• Do not leave tapes in the cassette player for a long time when not

being played.

Radio frequency information

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission(CRTC) establish the frequencies AM and FM stations may use for their broadcasts. Allowable frequencies are:

AM 530, 540–1600, 1610 kHz FM 87.9, 88.1–107.1, 107.9 MHz Not all frequencies are used in a given area.

Radio reception factors

Three factors can affect radio reception:

• Distance/strength. The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is. The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km (24 miles). This range can be affected by “signal modulation”. Signal modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their strength/volume relative to other stations.

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Controls and features

• Terrain. Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle’s antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems. Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences, traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering structure (out of its “shadow”) returns your reception to normal.

• Station overload. Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station frequency is displayed.

The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo.

Audio system warranties and service

Refer to the “Warranty Guide” for audio system warranty information. If service is necessary, see your dealer or a qualified technician.

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Heater only system (if equipped)

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle. On heater-only systems, the air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature.

OFF

Page 38

Controls and features

Mode selector control

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

• (Panel)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.

(Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air through the instrument

•

panel registers and the floor ducts.

• (Floor)-Allows for maximum heating. Distributes outside air through the floor ducts.

• (Floor and defrost)-Distributes outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts.

• -Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will help to reduce your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats.

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood).

OFF

• When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block

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Controls and features

airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel, as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.

Manual heating and air conditioning system (if equipped)

MAX A/C

OFF

A/C

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated

in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

Mode selector control

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

OFF

A/C

MAX

A/C

The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except

. However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside

temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher. Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air

during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under

and

Page 40

Controls and features

the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you have stopped the vehicle.

Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct. In snowy or dirty condition, leave the mode selector in the OFF position.

• MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier than A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

• A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

(Panel)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel

•

registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

•

(Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers.

(Floor)-Allows for maximum heating by distributing outside air through the floor ducts. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

(Floor and defrost)-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the

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Controls and features

instrument panel registers. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.

•

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will reduce your

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves

-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.

windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

climate control system in the OFF position.

airflow to the back seats.

from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood).

• If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during hot weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle. Then operate your air conditioner as you would normally.

• When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel, as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.

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Controls and features

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER

Clears the rear window of thin ice and fog. To operate:

1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.

2. Press and release the control

once to turn on. The light will be lit while the rear window defroster is on.

3. Press and release the control

again to turn off. The defroster will automatically turn off after fifteen minutes.

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION

1. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,

gearshift lever (automatic transaxle only) and allows key removal. On vehicles with a manual transaxle

push the key in while turning to lock.

2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical

accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running.

3. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key

position when driving.

4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

R.DEF

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Rotate the headlamp control to the first position to turn on the parking lamps. Rotate to the second position to also turn on the headlamps.

OFF

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Controls and features

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate:

• the ignition must be in the ON position and

• the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking lamps position.

Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during

inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.

High beams

Push forward to activate.

OFF

Flash to pass

Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL

• Push down to activate the left turn signal.

• Push up to activate the right turn signal.

OFF

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Controls and features

FOGLAMP CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

Rotate forward to activate.

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) To turn speed control on

• Press ON.

Vehicle speed cannot be controlled until the vehicle is traveling at or above 48 km/h (30 mph).

OFF OFF

OFF

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

Do not shift the gearshift lever into N (Neutral) with the speed control on.

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Controls and features

To turn speed control off

• Press OFF or

• Turn off the vehicle ignition.

Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased.

To set a speed

• Press SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL. For speed control to operate, the speed control must be ON and the vehicle speed must be greater than 48 km/h (30 mph).

OFF

RSM

SET

ACC

CST

If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may vary momentarily slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal.

Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases above the set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is faster than the set speed while driving on a downhill, you may want to shift to the next lower gear or apply the brakes to reduce your vehicle speed.

If your vehicle slows down more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage. This is normal. Pressing RES/RSM/RESUME will re-engage it.

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

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Controls and features

To set a higher set speed

• Press and hold SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Release the control when the desired vehicle speed is reached or

• Press and release SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Each press will increase the set speed by

1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Accelerate with your accelerator pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press and release SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL.

You can accelerate with the accelerator pedal at any time during speed control usage. Releasing the accelerator pedal will return your vehicle to the previously programmed set speed.

To set a lower set speed

• Press and hold CST/COAST. Release the control when the desired speed is reached or

• Press and release CST/COAST. Each press will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

RSM

SET

ACC

CST

RSM

SET

ACC

• Depress the brake pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press SET/SET ACC/ SET ACCEL.

CST

RSM

SET

ACC

CST

Page 47

To disengage speed control

• Depress the brake pedal or

• Depress the clutch pedal (if

equipped)

Disengaging the speed control will not erase the previously programmed set speed.

Pressing OFF will erase the previously programmed set speed.

Controls and features

OFF

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Controls and features

To return to a previously set speed

• Press RES/RSM/RESUME. For RES/RSM/RESUME to operate, the vehicle speed must be faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).

TILT STEERING (IF EQUIPPED)

Pull the tilt steering control down to move the steering wheel up or down. Hold the control while adjusting the wheel to the desired position, then push the control back up to lock the steering wheel in position.

RSM

SET

ACC

CST

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.

HAZARD FLASHER

For information on the hazard flasher control, refer to Hazard flasher in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Page 49

WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER

• For intermittent wiping, move the control down one position and rotate the wiper switch to the desired position.

Controls and features

MIST

OFF

INT

PULL

• For low speed wiping, move the control down two positions.

• For high speed wiping, move the control down three positions.

MIST

OFF

INT

• For mist wiping, move the control up one position.

• To spray the washer fluid, pull

the wiper control toward you.

MIST

OFF

INT

PULL

INT

PULL

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Controls and features

Rear window wiper/washer controls (if equipped)

For rear wiper operation, rotate the rear wiper and washer control to the desired position.

• To turn rear wipers on, rotate the rear wiper/washer control upward to the ON position.

• To turn rear wipers off, rotate the

MIST

OFF

INT 1

ON OFF

rear wiper/washer control downward to the OFF position.

For rear washer fluid operation, rotate the rear wiper/washer control to the desired position.

• To turn rear washers on, rotate the rear wiper/washer control upward to the

position for your desired length of washer time.

• To turn rear washers on briefly (for quick cleaning), rotate the wiper/washer control downward to the position and release.

MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)

• Press and hold OPEN to raise the moon roof to the vent position.

• Press OPEN again to fully open the moon roof.

• Press the opposite end of the toggle control to close the moon roof from either position.

INT

PULL

OPEN

Sliding shade

The moon roof has a sliding shade that you can open or close when the moon roof is closed.

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Controls and features

INTERIOR LAMPS Dome lamp and map lamps (if equipped)

The dome lamp is located overhead between the driver and passenger seats.

The dome lamp will stay on if the control is moved to the ON position. When the control is moved to the DOOR position, the lamp will only come on if a door is opened. If the control is moved to the OFF position, the lamp will not come on at all.

The map lamps and controls are located on the dome lamp. Press the controls on either side of each map lamp to activate the lamps.

Map lamps (if equipped)

The map lamps and controls are located on the dome lamp. Press the controls on either side of the dome lamp to activate the map lamps.

If equipped with a moon roof, the map lamps are located on the moon roof control panel. Press the control next to the map lamp to illuminate the lamp.

OFF DOOR ON

OPEN

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Controls and features

POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)

Press U to unlock all doors and L to lock all doors.

CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS

When these locks are set, the rear doors cannot be opened from the inside. The rear doors can be opened from the outside when the doors are unlocked.

The childproof locks are located on rear edge of each rear door and must be set separately for each door. Setting the lock for one door will not automatically set the lock for both doors.

Move lock control down to engage the lock. Move control up to disengage childproof locks.

U L

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Controls and features

POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)

Press and hold the rocker switches to open and close windows.

• Press the top portion of the rocker switch to close.

• Press the bottom portion of the rocker switch to open.

Express down

To make the driver window open fully without holding the window control, press the driver window control completely down and release quickly. Depress again to stop window operation.

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Controls and features

POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT

Position the floor mat so that the eyelet is over the pointed end of the retention post and rotate forward to lock in. Make sure that the mat does not interfere with the operation of the accelerator or the brake pedal. To remove the floor mat, reverse the installation procedure.

FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH

Refer to the Roadside emergencies chapter for instructions on how to operate the fuel pump shut-off switch.

CARGO COVER (IF EQUIPPED)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a cargo area shade that covers the luggage compartment of your vehicle.

To install the shade:

1. Fasten the cover into the

mounting brackets (make sure the cover is right side up).

2. Pull the end of the shade toward

you and hook the sides into the notches in the rear trim panels.

To prevent the possibility of

injuries, the fasteners for the cargo area cover must be properly attached to the mounting clips on the rear trim panels.

Do not place any objects on the cargo area cover. They may

obstruct your vision or strike occupants of the vehicle in the case of a sudden stop or collision.

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Controls and features

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM

Your vehicle may have an all-door remote entry system or a driver’s door only remote entry system.

The all-door remote entry system allows you to:

• lock or unlock all vehicle doors without a key.

• arm and disarm the anti-theft system. (For more information on the

anti-theft system, refer to Anti-theft system in this chapter.)

• open the trunk or unlock liftgate (wagons).

• activate the panic alarm.

The driver’s door only entry system allows you to:

• lock the driver’s door and liftgate (wagons).

• unlock the driver’s door only without a key.

• activate the panic alarm.

• open the trunk or unlock liftgate (wagons).

The remote entry features only operate with the ignition in the OFF position.

If there is any potential remote keyless entry problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL key fobs (remote entry transmitters) are brought to the dealership, to aid in troubleshooting.

Unlocking the doors

Press this control to unlock the driver’s door. The interior lamps will illuminate.

With the all-door remote entry system, press the control a second time within five seconds to unlock all doors and liftgate.

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Controls and features

Locking the doors

Press this control to lock all doors (and liftgate on wagons). On vehicles equipped with the driver’s door only remote entry system, only the driver’s (and liftgate on wagons) door will lock.

To confirm doors are closed and locked, press the lock control a second time within five seconds. The door(s) will lock again, the horn will chirp once and the lamps will flash.

If any of the doors are open or ajar, the horn will make two quick chirps, reminding you to properly close the doors.

This process will also arm your anti-theft system (if equipped). For more information on arming the anti-theft system, refer to Anti-theft system in this chapter.

Opening the trunk

Press the control once to open the trunk. On wagons, pressing the control will unlock (but not open) the liftgate.

Ensure that the trunk is closed and latched before driving your vehicle. Failure to latch the trunk completely may cause objects to fall out of the trunk or block the rear view.

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Controls and features

Sounding a panic alarm

Press this control to activate the alarm.

To deactivate the alarm, press the control again or turn the ignition to ACC or ON.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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

Replacing the battery

The remote transmitter is powered by one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent. Typical operating range will allow you to be up to 10 meters (33 feet) away from your vehicle. A decrease in operating range can be caused by:

• weather conditions

• nearby radio towers

• structures around the vehicle

• other vehicles parked next to the vehicle

To replace the battery:

1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE FRONT PART OF THE TRANSMITTER APART.

2. Place the positive (+) side of new battery in the same orientation. Refer to the diagram inside the transmitter unit.

Snap the two halves back together.

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Controls and features

Replacement of the battery will not cause the remote transmitter to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter should operate normally after battery replacement.

Replacing lost transmitters

Take all your vehicle’s transmitters to your dealer if service is required.

If you purchase additional transmitters (up to four may be programmed), perform the following procedure:

To reprogram the transmitters, place the key in the ignition and turn from OFF to ON eight times in rapid succession (within 10 seconds) ending in ON. After doors lock/unlock, press any control on all transmitters (up to four). With each control press of the transmitters, the door should cycle (lock/unlock) to confirm programming. When completed, turn the ignition to OFF. The door locks should cycle (lock/unlock) one last time and the horn will chirp to confirm completion of programming.

All transmitters must be programmed at the same time.

Illuminated entry

Interior lamps will illuminate when UNLOCK or PANIC control is pressed. The lamps will illuminate for approximately 20 seconds or until the key is inserted in the ignition and turned to ON or until LOCK control is pressed. The dome lamp must be set to the DOOR position in order for the illuminated entry system to operate.

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

When armed, the anti-theft system will help prevent your vehicle from unauthorized entry.

If there is any potential perimeter anti-theft problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL key fobs (remote entry transmitters) are brought to the dealership, to aid in troubleshooting.

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Controls and features

Arming the anti-theft system

Turn the ignition to OFF and press the lock control on the remote entry transmitter.

Identifying an armed system

While the system is arming, the THEFT light in the instrument cluster will illuminate for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, THEFT will flash, indicating the system is armed.

If the system is arming with the doors open, the THEFT light will stay illuminated until all the doors are closed and then illuminate for 30 seconds and begin flashing.

When an unauthorized entry occurs, the activated system will:

• flash the parking lamps and the THEFT light

• sound the horn

The flashing parking lamps and the honking horn automatically shut off after about three minutes and will remain off unless another unauthorized entry is attempted.

Disarming the anti-theft system

Disarming an untriggered anti-theft system

Press the unlock control to disarm a triggered or untriggered system.

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Controls and features

A triggered system may also be disarmed by inserting the key and turning the ignition to ON/ACC or by pressing the panic control.

On station wagons models, pressing the trunk control only will unlock and disarm the anti-theft system.

On non-station wagon models, pressing the trunk control will prevent the alarm from sounding until the trunk is closed again.

Using the ignition key to unlock doors/trunk/liftgate will not disarm the anti-theft system.

Disarming a triggered anti-theft system

Press either the unlock or panic control to disarm the system.

A triggered system may also be disarmed by inserting the key and turning the ignition to ACC or ON.

Page 61

Seating and safety restraints

SEATING Adjustable head restraints

Your vehicle’s seats may be equipped with head restraints which are vertically adjustable. The purpose of these head restraints is to help limit head motion in the event of a rear collision. To properly adjust your head restraints, lift the head restraint so that it is located directly behind your head or as close to that position as possible. Refer to the following to raise and lower the head restraints.

The head restraints can be moved up and down.

Push control to lower head restraint.

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Seating and safety restraints

Adjusting the front manual seat

Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is

moving.

Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to avoid injuring

people in a collision or sudden stop.

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap

belt snug and low across the hips.

Lift handle to move seat forward or backward.

Pull lever up to adjust seatback.

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Seating and safety restraints

Driver seat memory recliner (if equipped)

• Pull control to adjust seatback.

• To retain selected seatback

position, release seatback by moving memory recliner control forward to release seatback.

• Push seatback rearward until the seatback latches. This will be the first position selected.

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Seating and safety restraints

Folding rear seats (if equipped)

Folding down the rear seats

To fold the seatback down:

• Press the latch control downward or pull up on strap and

• Pull the seatback forward and down.

Returning the seat to the upright position

Check to see that the seat and seatback is latched securely in

position. Keep floor area free of objects that would prevent proper seat engagement. Never attempt to adjust the seat while the vehicle is in motion.

To return the seat to the upright/normal seating position:

• Rotate seat upward and latch. The full rear bench seat is shown. The split-folding rear seat (if

equipped) operates in a similar manner.

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Seating and safety restraints

SAFETY RESTRAINTS Safety restraints precautions

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap

belt snug and low across the hips.

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they

can be properly restrained.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the

vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always

properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is provided.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or

outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt

assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm.

2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back

seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints.

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Seating and safety restraints

Combination lap and shoulder belts

1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

2. To unfasten, push the release button and remove the tongue from the buckle.

The front and rear outboard safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The front passenger and rear seat outboard safety belts have two types of locking modes described below:

Automatic locking mode

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.

The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt.

When to use the automatic locking mode

• When a tight lap/shoulder fit is desired.

• Anytime a child safety seat is installed in a passenger front or

outboard rear seating position (if equipped). Refer to Safety Restraints for Children or Safety Seats for Children later in this

chapter.

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Seating and safety restraints

How to use the automatic locking mode

• Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

• Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted.

• Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

How to disengage the automatic locking mode

Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

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Seating and safety restraints

Front safety belt height adjustment (if equipped)

Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the driver and front passenger. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder.

To lower the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height control down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt, slide the height adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjustment assembly to make sure it is locked in place.

Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so that the belt rests

across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Lap belts (if equipped)

Adjusting the lap belt

The lap belt does not adjust automatically.

The lap belts should fit snugly and as low as possible around the

hips, not around the waist.

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Seating and safety restraints

Insert the tongue into the correct buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). To lengthen the belt, turn the tongue at a right angle to the belt and pull across your lap until it reaches the buckle. To tighten the belt, pull the loose end of the belt through the tongue until it fits snugly across the hips.

Shorten and fasten the belt when not in use.

Safety belt extension assembly

If the safety belt assembly is too short, even when fully extended, 20 cm (8 inches) can be added to the safety belt assembly by adding a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extension assemblies can be obtained from your dealer at no cost.

Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime

The seat belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.

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Seating and safety restraints

Conditions of operation

If... Then...

The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...

The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding...

The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...

Safety belt maintenance

Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts, replacing if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

The safety belt warning light illuminates for one to two minutes and the warning chime sounds for four to eight seconds.

The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off.

The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off.

Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt

assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Refer to Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts in the Maintenance and care section.

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Seating and safety restraints

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions

The supplemental restraint system is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries.

Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly or gently and the risk of injury from a deploying air bag is greatest close to the trim covering the air bag module.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always

properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is provided.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back

seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints.

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Seating and safety restraints

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

recommends a minimum distance of at least 25 cm (ten [10] inches) between an occupant’s chest and the driver air bag module.

Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air

bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries.

Steps you can take to properly position yourself away from the airbag:

• Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the pedals comfortably.

• Recline the seat slightly (one or two degrees) from the upright position.

Do not put anything on or over the air bag module. Placing

objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag

Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

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Seating and safety restraints

Children and air bags

For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide.

Children must always be properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Air bags can kill or injure a

child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work?

The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains longitudinal deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation.

The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Air bags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration.

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Seating and safety restraints

The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (e.g., baking soda) that result from the combustion process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic.

While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying air bag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control.

Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not

touch them after inflation.

If the air bag is deployed, the air bag will not function again

and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

The SRS consists of:

• driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and air bags),

• one or more impact and safing sensors,

• a readiness light and tone,

• and the electrical wiring which connects the components.

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Seating and safety restraints

The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.

Determining if the system is operational

The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness section in the Instrumentation chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required.

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:

• The readiness light will either flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners)

For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN

See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags.

Important child restraint precautions

You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your

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Seating and safety restraints

local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from

injury in a collision.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use.

When possible, always place children under age 12 in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position.

Children and safety belts

If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat. Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your

child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that

apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be

positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle.

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child.

A belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the special needs of your child with your pediatrician.

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Seating and safety restraints

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Child and infant or child safety seats

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

When installing a child safety seat:

• Review and follow the information presented in the Air Bag

Supplemental Restraint System

section in this chapter.

• Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position.

• Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

• Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling.

• Place seat back in upright position.

• Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic

locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating positions) (if equipped).

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps, refer to Attaching safety seats with tether straps.

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Seating and safety restraints

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included

with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions

1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

An air bag can kill or injure a child in a child seat. If you must

use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move seat all the way back.

Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear

seat whenever possible.

2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

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Seating and safety restraints

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear a snap and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard.

6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode.

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Seating and safety restraints

7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat.

8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt.

9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place.

10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine.

Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

Attaching safety seats with tether straps

Some manufacturers make safety seats that include a tether strap that goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of your child safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap.

Tether anchorage hardware (Coupe)

Attachment holes (at both rear seating positions) have been provided in your vehicle to attach anchor hardware, if desired. Tether anchorage hardware kits (part number 613D74) including instructions, may be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. All vehicles built for sale in Canada include a tether anchor hardware kit.

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Seating and safety restraints

Be sure to follow the child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Tighten the anchor according to specifications. Otherwise, the

safety seat may not be properly secured and the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

1. Install the child safety seat in the rear right or rear left seat position. For instructions on how to install the seat, refer to Installing child

safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions in this chapter.

2. Refer to the instructions provided in the tether anchor kit.

3. Refer to the instructions provided with your child safety seat to securely attach the child safety seat by tether to the tether strap anchor location.

Tether anchorage hardware (Sedan/Wagon)

Attachment holes (at each rear seating position) have been provided in your vehicle to attach anchor hardware, if desired. Tether anchorage hardware kits including instructions, may be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. All vehicles built for sale in Canada include a tether anchor hardware kit.

Be sure to follow the child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Tighten the anchor according to specifications. Otherwise, the

safety seat may not be properly secured and the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

1. Install the child safety seat in the rear right, rear left or rear center seat position. For instructions on how to install the seat, refer to

Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions in this chapter.

2. Refer to the instructions provided in the tether anchor kit.

3. Refer to the instructions provided with your child safety seat to securely attach the child safety seat by tether to the tether strap anchor location.

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Seating and safety restraints

• Sedan

• Wagon

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Starting

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE

Engine starting is controlled by the ignition system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high

temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry

ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed

areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer

inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten minutes at the higher RPM.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

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Starting

2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.

3. Make sure the parking brake is set.

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transaxle:

• Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).

R N

If starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle:

• Push the clutch pedal to the floor.

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Starting

4. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without

turning the key to 4 (START).

km/h

MPH

LOW FUEL

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

FUEL FILL

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

FUEL FILL

BRAKE

ABS

100

120

0000000

0 0 0

100

120

0000000

0 0 0

140

100

160

110

180

200

120

100

160

110

180

200

120

THEFT

RPMx1000

THEFT

+–

7 8

+–

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Starting

60 70

MPH

FUEL

FILL

LOW FUEL

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

BRAKE

+–

ABS

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.

• If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the light may not illuminate.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

120

100

0000000

0 0 0

km/h

140

THEFT

160

100

180

110

120

RPMx1000

7 8

1. Turn the key to 4 (START)

without pressing the accelerator pedal and release as soon as the engine starts. The key will return to 3 (ON).

2. If the temperature is above –12° C (10° F) and the engine does not

start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten seconds and try again.

3. If the temperature is below -12° C (10° F) and the engine does not

start in fifteen seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait ten seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,

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Starting

depress the accelerator and start the engine while holding the accelerator down to the floor. Release the accelerator when the engine starts.

4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking

brake.

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23°C (-10°F) or below.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.

To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)

adapters.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,

have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:

• the vehicle is raised for service.

• the sound of the exhaust system changes.

• the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.

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Starting

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.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).

Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air. Improve vehicle ventilation by

keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris.

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Driving

BRAKES

Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.

Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal”, “continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)

On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check at 17 km/h (10 mph) after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction.

ABS warning lamp

ABS

The

warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates

when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not

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Driving

illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.

With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately).

Using ABS

• In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

• The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.

• We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

Parking brake

Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake, pull the handle up as far as possible.

P !

BRAKE

The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released.

P !

BRAKE

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Driving

The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or

in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).

Push the button on the end of the parking brake and push the handle down as far as possible to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy.

STEERING

Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer the vehicle.

To prevent damage to the power steering pump:

• Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of the following:

• underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)

• high crown in center of road

• high crosswinds

• wheels out of alignment

• loose or worn components in steering linkage

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Driving

TRANSAXLE OPERATION Manual transaxle (if equipped)

Using the clutch

Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a starter interrupt interlock that prevents cranking of the engine unless the clutch pedal is depressed.

When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle, you must:

1. Put the gearshift in the neutral

position.

2. Hold down the brake pedal.

3. Depress the clutch pedal.

4. Turn the ignition key to 4

(START), then let the engine idle for a few seconds.

5. Release the brake pedal, then

slowly release the clutch pedal while pressing down slowly on the accelerator pedal.

Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use

24R

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Driving

the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.

Parking your vehicle

1. Apply the brake and shift into the

neutral position.

2. Set the parking brake.

3. Shift into 1 (First).

24R

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Driving

4. Turn engine off and remove the

key.

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake fully.

Recommended shift speeds

Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:

Coupe

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)

1-2 21 km/h (13 mph) 2-3 40 km/h (25 mph) 3-4 53 km/h (33 mph) 4-5 70 km/h (44 mph)

Coupe

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)

1-2 18 km/h (11 mph) 2-3 32 km/h (20 mph) 3-4 46 km/h (29 mph) 4-5 61 km/h (38 mph)

Sedan/Wagon

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)

1-2 22 km/h (14 mph) 2-3 40 km/h (25 mph) 3-4 55 km/h (34 mph) 4-5 70 km/h (44 mph)

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Driving

Sedan/Wagon

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)

1-2 19 km/h (12 mph) 2-3 31 km/h (19 mph) 3-4 46 km/h (29 mph) 4-5 61 km/h (38 mph)

Reverse

Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transaxle.

Put the gearshift into the neutral position and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).

24R

You can shift into R (Reverse) only by moving the gearshift from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) gears before you shift into R (Reverse). This is a special lockout feature which prevents you from shifting into R (Reverse) when you downshift from 5 (Fifth).

Automatic transaxle (if equipped)

Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed:

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Driving

1. Continue depressing the brake

pedal, and remove the shift-lock override cap with a 2.5 cm (1 inch) or longer screwdriver.

2. Insert the screwdriver into the

shift-lock override opening and push down.

3. Push and hold the thumb button.

4. Move the gearshift.

If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is possible that a fuse has blown and the vehicle’s brakelamps may not be operating properly. Refer to Fuses

and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The transaxle and tires may be damaged or the engine may overheat.

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Driving

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave

your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Understanding gearshift positions

Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake

pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

Always set the parking

brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.

R N

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Driving

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting in and out of R (Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

R N

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Driving

(Overdrive)

The overdrive position is the normal driving position for an automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the same way as D (Drive) but shifts to a fourth gear-an overdrive gear-when your vehicle cruises at a constant speed for any length of time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel economy when you travel at cruising speeds.

Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain terrains. If the transaxle shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears while you are driving hilly roads or if your vehicle requires additional power for climbing hills, shift into D (Drive).

D (Drive)

D (Drive) eliminates the needless shifting between third and fourth gears that your vehicle may do when driving in hilly terrain. It also gives more engine braking than overdrive to slow your vehicle on downgrades.

R N D

D L

R N D

D L

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Driving

L (Low)

Use L (Low) when added engine braking is desired or when descending steep hills.

R N

The automatic transaxle will shift into the proper gear to ascend any grade without any need to shift to L (Low).

Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in this gear. You can upshift from L (Low) to

When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking

brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

(overdrive) at any time.

VEHICLE LOADING

Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:

• Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment.

• Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating minus base curb weight.

• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Label on the driver’s door pillar.

100