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Top of Manual
Most Used Features and
Controls
General
Information
-
- Exterior
- Interior
- Engine
Compartment
- Abnornal
Operations
- Problems on the
Road
- What to do if you
have a problem while driving
- Normal
Operations
- Maintenance
Schedule
- When to perform vehicle maintenance and what
fluids and lubricants to use.
- Customer Assistance
Information
- How to contact
Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
- Information on
"Reporting Safety Defects"
- Return To Top
of Manual
Section
2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and
optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel
and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
Warnings and Abnormal
Operations
Normal Operating Procedures
Door Locks
CAUTION
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous. Passengers -- especially children --
can easily open the doors and fall out. When a
door is locked, the inside handle won’t open
it. Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop your
vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase
the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety
belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be
far better off whenever you drive your
vehicle.
Locking and unlocking
your vehicle
- From the outside,
- Use your door key or the
key FOB transmitter.
- If your theft-deterrent system is armed,
- Unlock the
doors only to avoid setting off
the alarm
- With the key or
- With the transmitter .
- See "Universal
Theft-Deterrent"
To lock the door from the inside
- Move the lock control on the door forward.
To unlock the door from the inside,
- Move the lock control on the door backward.
Return To Door
Locks
Power Door Locks
To lock or unlock both doors at
once.
- Press the power door unlock/lock switch on either
door
Return To Door
Locks
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle,
- Take your key,
- Open your door and
- Set the locks from inside.
- Leave Vehicle
- Close the door.
Remote Function Actuator, or key FOB transmitter function
Return To Door
Locks
Memory (Option)
MEMORY
- Can store and recall the
vehicle settings for
- The driver’s seat
position,
- the outside rearview
mirror position,
- comfort control
temperature,
- fan speed and
mode settings,
- radio presets,
- tone,
- volume,
- playback mode (AM/FM, Tape or CD),
- last displayed
station,
- compact disc position
- audio tape
direction.
The MEMORY buttons
- are located
- on the driver’s
side door,
- above the power mirror
buttons.
- can store and recall the
vehicle settings for up to three
drivers.
- press Use button "1" to
store the vehicle settings for the
first driver,
- press button "2" for a
second driver
- press buttons 1 and 2
simultaneously for a third driver.
- Storing your vehicle
settings
- press and hold a
MEMORY button.
- The light will
- glow steady for
one second and
- then flash once when
the settings are completed.
- Recalling your
settings,
- press your MEMORY
button.
- The light above the
button
- will flash until
the correct vehicle settings are
achieved,
- glow for
three seconds when
completed.
- press the active door
UNLOCK button on the key FOB
transmitter.
- Drivers 1 ,2 and 3
- correspond to the
order in which your key fob
transmitters were programmed.
- (See "FOB Training" in the Index.)
- Memory recall will not
work if
- the vehicle is
moving,
- the ignition key is
removed or
- using a
- Power seat,
- mirror or
- memory switch
- Memory recall will
be temporarily interrupted during
engine crank.
Return To
Memory
Remote
Function Actuation System
Remote Function Actuation (RFA) system
- passive/active
- allows you to
- lock and unlock your
doors,
- unlock your hatch/trunk
lid,
- turn the panic alarm on and off and
- disarm or arm
your theft-deterrent system.
- When using one of the key
fob transmitters supplied with your
vehicle,
- the passive
range distance is
- Up to 30 feet (9 m)
away from the vehicle on the
driver’s side
- Up to 20 feet (6 m)
away on the passenger’s
side.
- The active range
distance is
- Up to 100 feet (30 m)
away.
Your vehicle
-
Comes standard with two transmitters,
-
Up to three
can be matched to your vehlcle.
-
See "Matching
Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle".
If you ever notice a decrease in the key fob
transmitter range
- Check to determine if
battery replacement is necessary. See
the instructions that follow.
- Check the distance. You
may be too far from your vehicle. You
may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.
- Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be blocking
the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try
again.
- Check to make sure that
an electronic device such as a
cellular phone or lap top computer is not causing interference.
- Try to resynchronize the
transmitter by pressing and holding
the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for seven
seconds when standing next to the vehicle.
- If you’re still having
trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
If you ever notice a decrease in the key fob
transmitter range, try doing one of the
following:
- Check to determine if battery replacement
is necessary. See the instructions that
follow.
- Check the distance.
- You may be too far from your vehicle.
- You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
- Check the location.
- Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
- Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
- Check to make sure that an electronic
device such as a cellular phone or lap top
computer is not causing interference.
- Try to resynchronize the transmitter by
- Pressing and holding the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for seven seconds when standing next to the vehicle.
- If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or
a qualified technician for service.
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
Operation
You don’t have to do anything for the RFA to
work when the passive feature is on.
Turning on the passive feature
- Move the transmitter’s slider switch to ON.
- When you move toward your vehicle with the key fob transmitter,
- The system will
automatically
- Disarm your
theft-deterrent system
- Depending on
how the system is programmed.
- Unlock the driver’s door or
- Unlock both doors
- If it’s dark enough outside, your interior lamps will come on.
Actively unlock your
vehicle
- Press UNLOCK once to unlock the driver’s door,
- Press UNLOCK again within 10 seconds to unlock both doors.
Actively Unlock The Hatch/Trunk Lid
- Press the button with
the trunk symbol
- As long as the ignition
is turned to the OFF position.
If you move out of range with the slider switch set
to ON, the key fob transmitter will:
- Lock the doors after five seconds.
- Arm the theft-deterrent system.
- Sound the horn to let you know the doors are
locked
- Turn off the interior lamps.
If you leave your
keys in the ignition and attempt to lock the doors
- The vehicle will not lock and a chime will sound to remind you
that the keys are in the ignition.
- If the door lock is pressed again, within five seconds,
- The doors will lock and the keys can be locked in the car.
The doors still will not lock.
- If you leave the keys in the ignition and
- Move away with the key FOB
transmitter,
- You should notice that the horn doesn’t sound
- Return to get your keys
out of the ignition.
If you lock your keys
in the vehicle and didn’t leave them in the ignition with the passive slide
switch is in the ON position.
- After 15 seconds of no motion, the key
FOB transmitter shuts down to
save the battery.
- Wait about 30
seconds,
- Then rock the vehicle.
- The key fob transmitter should "wake up" and unlock the doors.
You can be locked out of your vehicle
- If the battery is low or
- If the key FOB transmitter is in a place where the signal
can’t get to the antenna,
- Always remember to
take your keys with you.
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
Panic
Alarm Button
Your vehicle’s horn will sound if
- When you press the special horn button on the
key fob transmitter
- This panic alarm
button will allow you to attract attention if needed.
If the horn alarm sounds, there are three ways to
turn it off:
- Push the panic alarm button on the key fob
transmitter again.
- Wait 90 seconds, and the horn will turn off
by itself or
- Turn the key to any position in the ignition
switch, except OFF.
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
RFA Settings
To adjust the RFA settings on
the system through the Driver Information Center
(DIC).
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
Turning the Passive System Off
You can disable the passive feature
- By moving the transmitter’s slider switch to OFF.
- The vehicle will no longer
- Automatically disarm your theft-deterrent
system or
- Unlock the doors,
- You will be able to
actively control use of
- The door locks,
- The hatch/trunk lid release and
- The panic alarm using the four
transmitter buttons.
- These buttons also work when the passive
feature is on
To guarantee the key fob transmitter is turned
on or off
- Make sure to fully slide the switch to either side
- You should feel a
double click when sliding the switch back and
forth
To check whether the
passive system is on or
off
- Closing the door and
- Moving away from the vehicle
- Have the keys and
transmitter on your person
- If the doors lock, the passive system is on.
When working around
your vehicle and have your keys with
you,
- Turn the RFA passive system off.
- Keeps the transmitter from locking and unlocking
the doors.
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
Transmitter
Range
The active range (using one of the four buttons) of
the key fob transmitter is approximately
- 60 to 100 feet (18
to 30 m).
The passive range (having the slider switch set to ON) is approximately
- 10 to 20 feet (3 to
6 m) on the passenger’s side of the vehicle and
- 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 m) on the driver’s side.
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
Resynchronizing Your
Transmitter
Your RFA system
- Uses a continually changing code for increased security.
- Normally, the receiver in your vehicle will keep track of this changing code. ,
- If your vehicle
does not respond to your transmitter, do the following to determine what’s wrong:
- Get closer to the vehicle and try pressing a
button again.
- While standing close to your vehicle,
- Press the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on your transmitter at
the same time
- Hold for seven
seconds.
- This will attempt to resynchronize the security code
in your RFA key FOB transmitter.
- When resynchronization is achieved the
horn will chirp.
Loss of synchronization will occur
- After transmitter battery replacement or
- Disconnection of the vehicle’s battery.
If attempts to resynchronize your transmitter to
the vehicle are not successful,
- You may need to match the transmitter to
the vehicle.
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your
Vehicle
Each key FOB transmitter is coded to prevent
another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
To match transmitters to your vehicle:
- Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
- Clear any warning messages on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) by pressing the RESET button.
- Press the OPTIONS button on the DIC several times
until the blank page is displayed,
- Then press and hold the
OPTIONS button on the DIC
- When the message FOB TRAINING is displayed,
- Push the RESET button once.
- The message HOLD LK + UNLK 1ST FOB will be
displayed
- Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons
on the transmitter simultaneously for 15
seconds.
- When a transmitter is learned,
- The DIC will
display FOB LEARNED and
- Then prompt you to learn
the next transmitter.
- Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for each additional
transmitter.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
The programming mode will shut off
if:
- You don’t program any transmitters for two
minutes.
- You take the key out of the ignition.
- You have programmed three transmitters.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen,
- A replacement can be
purchased through your dealer.
- Bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer.
- Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter,
- The lost transmitter
will not unlock your vehicle.
- Each vehicle can have only three
transmitters matched to it.
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
Battery Replacement
- Insert a coin into the slot on the back of
the transmitter and gently pry apart the front
and back.
- Gently pull the battery out of the transmitter.
- Put the new battery in the transmitter, positive
(+) side up.
- Use a battery, type CR2450, or
equivalent.
- Reassemble the transmitter in the order shown.
- Make sure to put it together in the correct
order so water won’t get in.
- Resynchronize the transmitter. (See "Resynchronizing
Your Transmitter" .)
- Test the transmitter.
Under normal use,
- The battery in your key fob transmitter should last about 18 months.
- You can tell the battery is weak if the
transmitter won’t work at the normal range in
any location.
- If you have to get
close to your vehicle before the transmitter works it’s probably time to change the battery.
NOTICE:
When replacing the battery, use
care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static
from your body transferred to these surfaces may
damage the transmitter.
Replacing Your Battery
Return to
Remote Function Actuation System
Remote
Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
To use the
remote hatch/trunk lid release on automatic transmission vehicles,
- Your vehicle must be in
PARK (P) or NUETRAL (N).
- For manual transmissions, set the parking brake. See "Parking Brake" in the
Index.
- Press the button with the trunk symbol on
it to release the
hatch/trunk lid from inside your
vehicle.
- Located at the left side of the steering column on the
instrument panel,
- The key fob transmitter will also release
the hatch/trunk lid.
To use the manual
release cables to
open the
hatch and you have lost battery power
- Remove the two access panels located in the rear of the trunk area to access the cables,
- There is one cable located underneath each
access panel.
- Pull each cable straight down for each latch to
release the hatch.
To use the manual
release cable to open the trunk lid
- If your vehicle is equipped with
a convertible top and you have lost
battery power,
- remove the center
access panel located in the rear of the trunk area To access the cable,
- Pull the cable straight down to release the trunk
lid.
CAUTION
It can be dangerous to drive with
the hatch/trunk lid open because carbon monoxide
(CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t
see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
If you must drive with the hatch/trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal between
the body and the hatch/trunk lid:
- Make sure all windows are shut.
- Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on BI-LEVEL or VENT.
- That will force outside air into your vehicle.
- See "Comfort Controls" in the Index.
- If you have air outlets on or
under the instrument panel, open them all the way.
See "Engine Exhaust" in the
Index.
NOTICE:
If you put things in the
hatch/trunk area, be sure they won’t break the
glass when you close it. Never slam the
hatch/trunk lid down. You could break the glass
or damage the defogger grid. When you close the hatch/trunk lid, make
sure you pull down from the center, not the
sides. If you pull the hatch/trunk lid down from the side too often, the weatherstrip can be damaged.
NOTICE:
Do not store heavy or sharp
objects in the three storage compartments located
in the hatch/trunk area. If you do, the objects
could damage the underbody.
Return to
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
Theft
Although your vehicle has a number of
theft-deterrent features,
- We know that nothing we
put on it can make it impossible to steal.
- Here are ways you can help.
- Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some
cities
Return to
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
Key in the
Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside,
- It’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s
door,
- You’ll hear a tone reminding you to remove your
key from the ignition and take it with you.
- Always remove your key from the ignition and take it with you
- Your steering wheel will be locked, and so
will your ignition.
- If you have an automatic transmission,
- Taking your key out also locks your transmission.
- Remember to lock the doors.
Return to
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
Parking at
Night
- Park in a lighted spot
- Close all windows and lock your vehicle
- Remember to keep your valuables out of
sight
- Put them in a storage area
Return to
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle,
- It’s best to lock it up
and take your keys.
- If you have to leave your key
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle,
- There would be no place to secure them.
Return to
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
Universal Theft-Deterrent System
Your Corvette has a theft-deterrent alarm system.
- The SECURITY light will flash as you open the door
- If your ignition is off
- This light reminds you to arrn the
theft-deterrent system.
Arming the
Theft-Deterrent System
- Press the LOCK button on the key fob transmitter,
as mentioned earlier, OR
- Walk out of range with the passive switch on OR
- Open the door.
- The SECURITY light should flash
- Lock the door with the power door lock switch.
- The SECURITY light will stop flashing and stay
on.
- Close all the doors.
- The SECURITY light should go off.
If a door or the hatch/trunk lid is opened
without the key or the key fob transmitter
system,
- The alarm will go off.
- Horn will sound for two minutes,
- Then it will go
off to save battery power.
- Vehicle won’t
start.
The theft-deterrent system won’t arm if
- You lock the doors
with a key,
- The manual door lock, or
- If you power lock
(from the inside) the vehicle after the doors are closed.
If your passenger stays in the vehicle when you
leave with the keys
- have the passenger lock the vehicle after
the doors are closed.
- This way the alarm won’t arm, and
- Your passenger won’t set it off.
Always use your key or the key FOB transmitter
to unlock a door.
- Unlocking a door any other way will set
off the alarm.
If you do set off the alarm, there are four
ways to stop it:
- Unlock any door with your key.
- Put the key in the ignition.
- Press the UNLOCK button on the key fob
transmitter.
- 0 Walk into range with the passive switch
on.
Return To
Universal Theft-Deterrent System
Testing the Alarm
- Make sure the rear hatch/trunk lid is latched.
- Lower a window on the door.
- Manually arm the system with the power door
lock switch.
- Close the doors and wait 15 seconds.
- Reach through the open window and press the
power unlock button.
- Open the door.
- Turn off the alarm.
If the alarm is inoperative,
- Check to see if the horn works.
- If not, check the horn fuse.
- See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index.
- If the horn works, but the alarm doesn’t go off, see
your dealer.
Return To
Universal Theft-Deterrent System
PASS-Key@
Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
- PASS-Key is a
passive theft-deterrent system.
- It works when you
insert or remove the
key from the ignition.
- PASS-Key uses a resistor pellet in the ignition
key that matches a decoder in your
vehicle.
When the PASS-Key system senses that someone
is using the wrong key,
- It shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems.
- For about three minutes,
- The starter won’t
work and
- Fuel won’t go to the engine.
- If someone tries to
start your vehicle again or uses another key during this time,
- The shutdown period will start over again.
- This discourages someone from
- Randomly
trying different keys with different
resistor pellets in an attempt to make a
match.
The key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted in
the ignition or the engine may not start.
- If the SECURITY light comes on
- The key may be dirty or
wet.
- If this happens and the starter won’t work,
- Turn theignition off.
- Clean and dry the key,
- Wait three minutes and
try again.
- If the starter still won’t work,
- Wait three
minutes and
- Try the other ignition key.
- At this time, you
may also want to check the fuses (see "Fuses and Circuit Breakers" in the Index).
- If the starter won’t work with the other key,
- Your vehicle needs service.
- If your vehicle
does start,
- The first ignition key may be faulty.
- See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
the PASS-Key
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged
or missing resistor pellet
- You will see no SECURITY light.
- You don’t have to wait three minutes before
trying the proper key
If the resistor pellet is damaged or missing,
- The starter won’t
work.
- Use the other ignition key, and
- See your dealer or
a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key to have a new key made.
If the SECURITY light comes on while
driving
- have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key ignition key,
- See your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key.
- In an emergency, call the Chevrolet Roadside
Assistance
- Center at 1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872).
- In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800.
New Vehicle "Break-In"
NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
"break-in."
It will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
- Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 kmh) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km).
- Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
- Don’t make full-throttle starts.
- Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles
(322 km) or so.
- During this time your new brake linings aren’t 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.
Ignition
Switch
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to four positions.
OFF:
- The only position from which you can remove
the key.
- Removing the key locks your
- Steering wheel,
- Ignition and
- Automatic transmission.
- If you have an automatic
transmission,
- The ignition
switch can’t be turned to OFF unless the shift lever
is in PARK (P).
Return to Ignition
Switch
ACC:
- This is the position in which you can operate
your electrical power accessories.
- With the key in this position,
- The automatic transmission will unlock
- Steering column will unlock.
Return to Ignition
Switch
ON:
- The position the Key returns to after you
start the engine and release the key from the START
Position.
- The switch stays in
the ON position when the engine is running.
- But even when the
engine is not running, you can use ON to operate your electrical power accessories and to display some instrument panel messages and telltales.
Return to Ignition
Switch
START:
- Starts the engine.
- When the engine starts, release the key.
- The ignition switch will return to ON for normal
driving.
- When the engine is not running
- ACC allows you to
operate your electrical accessories
- ON allows you to
operate your electrical accessories
- A warning tone will sound
if you open the driver’s door when the
ignition is in
- OFF and the key is in the ignition.
- ACC and the key is in the ignition.
CAUTION
Removing the key from the
ignition switch will lock the steering column and
result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle.
This could cause a collision. If you need to turn
the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn
the key to ACC.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF
and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the
correct key; if so, is it
all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or
the ignition switch. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
Return to Ignition
Switch
Retained
Accessory Power (RAP)
With RAP
- Your power windows and the audio system
will continue to work for up to 15 minutes
after
- The ignition key
is turned to OFF and
- Neither door is
opened.
- If a door is opened,
- The audio system will shut off
- Power windows will shut off.
Return to Ignition
Switch
Starting Your
Engine
This vehicle has a computer system that monitors
- engine speed,
- throttle
- pedal position
- records the current
status.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to
start.
- Your engine won’t start in any other position --
that’s a safety feature.
- To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if
your Corvette is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only
when your vehicle is stopped.
Return to Starting Your
Engine
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N).
- Hold the clutch
pedal to the floor and start the engine.
- Your vehicle won’t
start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that’s a safety feature.
Return to Starting Your
Engine
Starting Your Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal,
- Turn the ignition key to START.
- When the engine starts
- The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.
NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer
than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery
to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor.
2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds,
- Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor,
- While you hold
the ignition key in START.
- When the engine starts,
- Let go of the key and let up on the
accelerator pedal
- Wait about 15 seconds between each try to
- Help avoid
draining your battery or
- Damaging your starter.
Starting your engine in
very cold weather (below
0°F or -18"C)
- With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START and hold it there.
- a) When the engine starts, let go of the key.
- b) Use the accelerator pedal to maintain engine speed, if you have to, until your engine has run for a while.
- If your engine still won’t start (or starts but
then stops), it could be flooded with too much
gasoline.
- a) Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds.
- b) If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again,
- Do the same as in 2 a)
- But this time
keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
- This clears the extra gasoline from the
engine.
NOTICE: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your 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 don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See "Towing Your Vehicle" in the Index.
Return to Starting Your
Engine
Starter
Interlock Feature
Your vehicle is equipped with a starter
interlock feature
- This feature will not allow you to crank
the engine when the vehicle is already
running.
- It is for your convenience
and to avoid damage to your starter
Return to Starting Your
Engine
Racing or Other Competitive
Driving
See your Warranty Book before using your vehicle
for racing or other competitive driving.
NOTICE:
If you use your vehicle for
racing or other competitive driving, your engine
may use more oil than it would with normal use.
Low oil levels can damage the engine. Be sure to
check the oil level often during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the level at or near
the upper mark on the engine oil dipstick. You
may need to add oil. See "Adding Oil" under
"Engine" in the Index.
Return to Starting Your
Engine
Engine Coolant
Heater
(Canada Only)
The engine coolant heater
- Is located on the driver’s side of the engine under the manifold.
- Electrical cord is attached to the generator bracket assembly, between the
- Generator and
- Windshield washer fluid
tank.
In very cold weather, 0 O F (- 18 O C) or colder,
- The engine coolant
heater can help.
- You’ll get
- Easier starting and
- Better fuel economy
during engine warm-up.
- Usually, the
coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
Return To Engine
Coolant Heater
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
- Turn off the engine.
- Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
- With headlamps
closed,
- Route the cord in the
opening between the left hand headlamp door
and the fender panel.
- Do not pinch the cord when closing the
hood.
- Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
- 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 don’t, it could be damaged.
CAUTION
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 won’t reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15
amps.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in
- Depends on
- The answer depends on the outside temperature,
- the kind of oil
you have, and
- some other factors.
- Instead of trying to list everything here, contact your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle.
- The dealer can give you the best advice for
that particular area.
Return To Engine
Coolant Heater
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift
lever.
PARK (P):
- This locks your rear wheels.
- It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because
your vehicle can’t move easily.
CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of
your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your
vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your 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 your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re
on fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK
(P). See "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the
Index.
- Be sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
range before starting the engine.
- Your vehicle has a brake-transmission shift interlock.
- You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in the ON position.
- If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P),
- Ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and
- Release the shift
lever button as you maintain brake
application.
- Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you
wish.
- If you do not apply the brake after 15 seconds
once the ignition is turned on,
- You will receive a PRESS
BRAKE BEFORE SHIFT message in the Driver
Information Center.
- See "Shifting Out of
PARK (P)" in the Index.
Return to
Automatic Transmission Operation
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while
your vehicle is moving forward could damage
your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R)
only after your vehicle is stopped.
- To rock your vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging your transmission,
- See "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index.
NEUTRAL (N):
- In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels.
- To restart when you’re already moving,
- Use NEUTRAL (N)
when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION
Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is "racing"
(running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle
could move very rapidly. You could lose control
and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is
racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission
caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine racing isn’t covered by your
warranty.
Return to
Automatic Transmission Operation
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
:
- This position is for normal driving.
Return to
Automatic Transmission Operation
THIRD (3):
- This position is also used for normal driving,
- It offers more power and
- It lowers fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (0).
- Here are some times you might choose THIRD
(3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (a):
- When driving on hilly, winding roads.
- When going down a steep hill.
Return to
Automatic Transmission Operation
SECOND (2):
- This position gives you
- More power but
- Lower fuel economy.
- You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
- It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads,
- But then you would also
want to use your brakes off and on.
Return to
Automatic Transmission Operation
FIRST (1):
- This position gives you
- Even more power
than SECOND (2).
- Even lower fuel economy
than SECOND (2).
- You can use it
on
- Very steep hills, or
- In deep snow or mud.
- If the selector
lever is put in FIRST (l),
- The transmission
won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is
going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your rear wheels can’t rotate,
don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were
stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against
a solid object. You could damage your
transmission. Also, if you stop when going
uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only
the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and
damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift
into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position
on a hill.
- Maximum engine speed is limited to protect
driveline components from improper
operation.
Return to
Automatic Transmission Operation
Manual
Transmission Operation
6-Speed
This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to operate your
transmission:
FIRST (1):
- Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1).
- Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you
- Press the accelerator
pedal.
- You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going
less than 40 mph (64 km/h).
- If you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s hard to shift into FIRST (l),
- Put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL (N) and let up on the clutch.
- Press the clutch
pedal back down.
- Then shift into FIRST (1).
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
SECOND (2):
- Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
- Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
THIRD
(3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) AND SIXTH (6):
- Shift into THIRD (3),
FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5 ) and SIXTH (6) the same way
you do for SECOND (2).
- Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
- press the accelerator pedal.
- To stop,
- let up on the accelerator pedal and
- press the brake
pedal.
- Just before the vehicle stops,
- Press the clutch pedal and
- Press the brake pedal, and
- Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
NEUTRAL (N).
- Use this position when you start or idle your engine.
- Your shift lever is in NEUTRAL (N)
- When it is centered in the
shift pattern,
- Not in any other gear.
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
REVERSE (R):
To back up,
- Press down the clutch pedal and
- Shift into REVERSE (R).
- Just apply pressure to get the lever past FIFTH (5 ) and SIXTH (6) into REVERSE (R).
- Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal.
Your six-speed manual transmission has a feature
that allows you to safely shift into REVERSE (R)
- While the vehicle
is rolling (at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)).
- You will be
locked out if you try to shft into REVERSE (R)
- If you have turned your ignition
off and wish to park your car in REVERSE
(R),
- You will have to
move the shift lever
- Quickly to the right, and
- Immediately forward
into gear.
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
Shift
Speeds (Manual Transmission)
This chart shows when to shift to the next higher
gear for best fuel economy.
you should downshift to the next lower gear
- If your engine speed drops below 900 rpm, or
- If the engine is
not running smoothly
- You may have to downshift two or more gears
- To keep the engine running smoothly or
- For good performance.
NOTICE:
When you are shifting gears,
don't move the gearshift lever around needlessly.
This can damage parts of the transmission and
may require costly repair. Shift directly into
the next appropriate gear.
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
One to Four Light (Manual
Transmission)
When this light comes on,
- You can only shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4)
- Instead of FIRST (1) to SECOND (2).
- You must complete
the shift into FOURTH (4) to deactivate
this feature.
- This helps you get
the best possible fuel economy.
- After shifting to FOURTH (4),
- You may downshift to a
lower gear if you prefer.
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
NOTICE:
Do not try to force the shift
lever into SECOND (2) or THIRD (3) when the ONE
TO FOUR light comes on. Do not try to
re-engage FIRST (1) after starting to shift
into FOURTH (4). You will damage your
transmission. Shift only from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.
This light will come on when:
- The engine coolant temperature is higher than 120°F
(49"C), and
- You are going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and
- You are at 21 percent throttle or less.
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
Downshifting (Manual
Transmission)
Do not downshift into the gear shown below at a
speed greater than shown in the table:
FIRST (1) .................... 50 mph (80 km/h)
SECOND (2) ................ 74 mph (1 19 km/h)
THIRD (3) ................. 101 mph (163 km/h)
FOURTH (4) ............... 130 mph (209 km/h)
NOTICE:
If you skip more than one gear
when you downshift, or if you race the engine
when you downshift, you can damage the clutch,
driveshaft or transmission.
The six-speed transmission has a spring that centers
the shift lever near THIRD (3) and FOURTH (4).
- This spring helps
you know which gear you are in when you are
shifting.
- Be careful when shifting from FIRST (1) to
SECOND (2) or downshifting from SIXTH (6) to FIFTH (5).
- The springs will try to pull the gearshift
lever toward FOURTH (4) and THIRD (3).
- Make sure you move
the lever into SECOND (2) or FIFTH (5).
- If you let the
lever move in the direction of the pulling, you
may end up shifting from FIRST (1) to FOURTH
(4) or from SIXTH (6) to THIRD (3).
CAUTION
If you skip more than one gear
when you downshift, you could lose control of
your vehicle. And you could injure yourself or
others. Don’t shift from SIXTH (6) to THIRD (3),
FIFTH (5) to SECOND (2) or FOURTH (4) to FIRST
(1).
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
Parking
Brake
- To set the
parking brake,
- Hold the brake pedal
down.
- Pull the parking brake lever.
- If the ignition is on,
- The brake system
warning light will come on.
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on
can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may
have to replace them, and you could also damage
other parts of your vehicle. Make sure the
brake warning light is not on before
driving.
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
Return To
Manual Transmission Operation
Shifting Into PARK
(P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
