Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice: The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:
► If you have all-wheel drive, keep your speed at 88 km/h (55 mph) or less for the first 805 km (500 mi).
► Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
► Avoid making hard stops for the first 322 km (200 mi) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.
► Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different positions.
In order to shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake pedal must be applied.
Notice: Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand.
If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer.
(STOPPING THE ENGINE/ LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is stopped, turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) .
This position locks the ignition and transmission. The key can be removed in LOCK/OFF.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete power assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).
This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake .
Turning off the vehicle while moving may cause loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and must be shut off while driving, turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center. If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this does not work, then the vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY): This is the position in which you can operate the electrical accessories or items plugged into the accessory power outlets. This position unlocks the ignition and steering wheel.
Use this position if the vehicle must be pushed or towed.
► (ON/RUN): This position can be used to operate the electrical accessories and to display some instrument panel warning and indicator lights. This position can also be used for service and diagnostics, and to verify the proper operation of the malfunction indicator lamp as may be required for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position when the engine is running.
The transmission is also unlocked in this position. If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
(START): This is the position that starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to ON/RUN for driving.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START.
When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine warms. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or −18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, repeat these steps. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles with an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting. Some models may have an internal thermostat in the cord which will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located on the driver side of the engine compartment. It is routed around the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured.
Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off:
► Audio System . Power Windows . Sunroof (if equipped) Power to the windows and sunroof will work up to 10 minutes or until a door is opened.
The radio continues to work for 10 minutes or until the driver door is opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of operation, close all the doors and turn the key to ON/RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF.
All these features will work when the key is in the ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY positions.
Shifting Into Park
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips .
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the button on the shift lever and pushing the shift lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from P (Park) without first pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked in P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To find out how, see “Shifting Into Park” listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
► Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully released, and . Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting for more information.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), see your dealer.
Parking over Things That Burn
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn.
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