Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
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:
• Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
• Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) 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 Towing a Trailer 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 has four different positions:
In order to shift out of P (Park), ignition must be in the ON/RUN and the regular 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/retailer.
A (LOCK/OFF): This position locks the ignition. It also locks the transmission and steering column. This is the only position in which the ignition key can be inserted or removed.
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 doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position lets the radio and windshield wipers operate while the engine is off.
To use ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (ON/RUN): This position can be used to operate electrical accessories and to display some of the warning and indicator lights. The switch stays in this position when the engine is running.
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.
D (START): This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound and the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display DRIVER DOOR OPEN when the driver door is opened if the ignition is in LOCK/OFF, ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off.
• Audio System
• Audio Steering Wheel (if equipped)
• Clock
• Power Windows
• Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to these accessories works up to 10 minutes or until the driver door is opened.
The instrument panel cluster lights stay on for a few seconds, then will go out. Once the driver door is opened, the power shuts off to these accessories. The vehicle has a feature designed to protect the battery against drainage. For more information see Inadvertent Power Battery Saver and Electric Power Management.
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 5-10 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/retailer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Engine Coolant 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.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
On vehicles with the 3.9L V6 engine, the coolant heater cord is located on the driver side of the vehicle, near the strut tower. On vehicles with the 4.6L V8 engine, the cord is located on the driver side of the vehicle on the right side of the engine air cleaner. It is between the engine cover and the engine air cleaner.
WARNING:
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.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
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, and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Automatic Transmission Operation
The vehicle may have a shift lever located either on the steering column or on the console between the seats.
P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.
WARNING:
It is 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.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. 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, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply the regular brakes before you can shift from P (Park) while the ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. See Shifting Out of Park .
R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.
N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are:
• Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.
• Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to the next gear and have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding” under Loss of Control
3 (Third): This position is also used for normal driving.
It reduces vehicle speed more than D (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose 3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly, winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears and when going down a steep hill.
2 (Second): This position reduces vehicle speed even more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use the brakes off and on.
Notice: Driving in 2 (Second) for more than 25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may damage the transmission. Also, shifting into 2 (Second) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can cause damage. Drive in 3 (Third) or D (Drive) instead of 2 (Second).
1 (First): This position reduces vehicle speed even more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while going forward, the transmission will not shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is located to the left of the regular brake pedal, near the driver door.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down, then push the parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it does not, you need to have the vehicle serviced.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set, the ignition is on, and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). The brake light will come on and stay on until the parking brake is released. See Brake System Warning Light for more information.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down, then push the parking brake pedal down.
When you lift your foot off the parking brake pedal, the pedal will follow your foot to the released position.
Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see Towing a Trailer.
Shifting Into Park
WARNING:
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 Towing a Trailer.
Steering Column Shift Lever
If the vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use this procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as it will go.
3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down, set the parking brake. See Parking Brake for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. 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).
Console Shift Lever
If the vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, use this procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle and then to the left.
3. While keeping the brake pedal applied, set the parking brake. See Parking Brake for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. 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
WARNING:
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 your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. See Parking Brake for more information.
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” in this section.
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
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has 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).
• Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of a 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.
Console Shift
If the console shifter cannot be moved out of P (Park) 1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions for more information.
3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is pushed all the way into P (Park).
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service.
Column Shift
If the shifter cannot be moved out of P (Park)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions for more information.
3. Shift out of the P (Park) position to the N (Neutral) position.
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
WARNING:
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.
Engine Exhaust
WARNING:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
• The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation (parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that may block underbody airflow or tail pipes).
• The exhaust smells or sounds strange or different.
• The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or damage.
• The vehicle’s exhaust system has been modified, damaged or improperly repaired.
• There are holes or openings in the vehicle body from damage or after-market modifications that are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
• Drive it only with the windows completely down.
• Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed area such as a garage or a building that has no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.
WARNING:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see Engine Exhaust.
WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. 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, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer.
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