1998 Ford Escort Owners Manual

range can be caused by: • battery failure • weather conditions • nearby radio towers • structures around the vehicle • other vehicles parked next to

the vehicle

To replace the batteries:

42

1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the transmitter. DO NOT TAKE THE FRONT PART OF THE TRANSMITTER APART. 2. Place the positive (+) side of new batteries down. Refer to the diagram inside the transmitter unit. 3. Snap the two halves back together.

Replacing lost transmitters Take all your vehicle’s transmitters to your dealer for reprogramming if: • a transmitter is lost or • you want to purchase additional transmitters (up to four may be programmed).

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

Controls and features

43

Controls and features

All transmitters must be programmed at the same time.

Illuminated entry Interior lamps will illuminate when UNLOCK 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 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 protect your vehicle from unauthorized entry.

Arming the anti-theft system Turn the ignition to OFF and press the lock control on the remote entry transmitter.

Identifyinganarmedsystem 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.

44

Controls and features

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

THEFT light

Disarming the anti-theft system Disarminganuntriggered anti-theftsystem Press the unlock control to disarm the untriggered system. If the driver armed the system but did not exit the vehicle, disarm the system by inserting the key and turning the ignition to ON/ACC. Using the ignition key to unlock doors/trunk/liftgate will not disarm the anti-theft system.

45

Controls and features

Disarmingatriggeredanti-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.

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Seating and safety restraints

SEATING

Adjustable head restraints (if equipped) The head restraints can be moved up and down.

Push control to lower head restraint.

Front seats

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.

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Seating and safety restraints

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) Foldingdowntherearseats If your vehicle is equipped with a built-in child seat, the seatback cannot be folded down unless the built-in child seat is fully stowed. See Built-in child seats in this chapter for more information. To fold the seatback down: • Press the latch control

downward or pull up on strap and

• Push the seatback down.

Returningtheseattothe uprightposition

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 prevent 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 wear their safety belts.

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.

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Seating and safety restraints

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

The ZX2 Coupe was designed to accommodate

up to four people. Do not attempt to carry more occupants. All designed seating positions are equipped with safety belts. All occupants should be properly restrained. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious personal injury or death.

Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. To fasten, insert the tongue into the slot in the buckle.

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Seating and safety restraints

2. To unfasten, push the red 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 and rear seat passenger 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. Whentousetheautomatic lockingmode • When a tight lap/shoulder fit is • Anytime a child safety seat is installed in the vehicle. Refer to Safety Restraints for Children or Safety Seats for Children later in this chapter.

desired.

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Seating and safety restraints

Howtousetheautomatic lockingmode • 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.

Howtodisengagetheautomatic lockingmode 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 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 Adjustingthelapbelt The lap belt does not adjust automatically. Adjust to fit snugly and as low as possible around your hips. Do not wear the lap belt around your waist.

55

Seating and safety restraints

Insert the tongue into the correct buckle. 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

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Seating and safety restraints

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.

Conditions of operation

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

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 key is turned to ON...

Then... 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 turns off.

The safety belt warning light remains off.

Safety belt maintenance Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Check the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies (slide bar)(if

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Seating and safety restraints

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.

Failure to 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.

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

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Seating and safety restraints

Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system is designed to: • work with the safety belt to protect the driver and right front passenger • reduce certain upper body

injuries

Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury.

The right front passenger air bag is not designed to restrain occupants in the center front seating position.

All occupants of the vehicle including the driver

should always wear their safety belts even when air bag SRS is provided.

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Seating and safety restraints

Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag cover on the steering wheel or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying air bag. Failure to follow this instruction may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

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

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

Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide. Children should always wear their safety belts. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

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.

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Seating and safety restraints

How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work? The SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains sufficient longitudinal deceleration. 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.

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.

Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

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Seating and safety restraints

If the air bag is inflated, 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),

sensors,

• one or more impact and safing • a readiness light and tone • and the electrical wiring which

connects the components.

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.

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Seating and safety restraints

flash or stay lit.

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness light will either • 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 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

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

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Seating and safety restraints

them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your 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, place children 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 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

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Seating and safety restraints

the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit. If the shoulder belt cannot be properly positioned: • move the child to one of the seats with a lap belt only (if equipped)

OR • if the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat.

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

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Seating and safety restraints

of your child with your pediatrician.

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: • Use the correct safety belt • 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 • Put the safety belt in the

buckle for that seating position.

position.

automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic locking mode. 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

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Seating and safety restraints

Attaching safety seats with tether straps.

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.

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.

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Seating and safety restraints

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

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 for that seating position until you hear and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

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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. 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

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Seating and safety restraints

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 each rear outboard seating position) have been provided in your vehicle to attach anchor hardware, if required. 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. Be sure to follow the child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions.

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Seating and safety restraints

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. Tetheranchoragehardware (Sedan/Wagon) Attachment holes (at each rear seating position) have been provided in your vehicle to attach anchor hardware, if required. 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.

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Seating and safety restraints

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. • Sedan

• Wagon

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Seating and safety restraints

BUILT-IN CHILD SEATS

Built-in child safety seat (if equipped) The rear seat may include a built-in child seat. This child seat conforms to all Federal and local motor vehicle safety standards. Read the labels located on the child seat cushion and shoulder belt for information on the built-in child seat. Use the built-in child seat only if the child is at least 9 months old, weighs 9–27 kg (20–60 lb) and the child’s shoulders (top) are below the shoulder harness slots in the built-in child seat. Children not meeting these requirements should be secured in an approved aftermarket seat. Refer to Children and infant or child safety seats in this chapter. Built-inchildseatretractors The belts on built-in child seats are equipped with a retractor that locks when both tongues are latched into the crotch safety belt buckle. The retractor will automatically snug the belts around the child. If the belts do not remain snug, take the vehicle to the dealer for child seat repair. The belts will not snug during a collision.

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Seating and safety restraints

Placingyourchildinthebuilt-in childseat

Failure to follow all of the instructions on the use of

this child restraint system can result in your child striking the vehicle’s interior during a sudden stop or crash.

Never use the Built-In Child Seat as a booster cushion with the adult safety belts. A child using the adult belts could slide forward and out from under the safety belts.

The rear seatback must be fully locked before

operating the child restraint system.

1. Grasp the child seat at the top of the seatback and pull the top forward to release the latch.

2. Continue to unfold the child seat until it rests on the seat.

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Seating and safety restraints

3. Read all information and warnings on the child seat cushion and shoulder safety belt. Make sure the child is not too large for the child seat. 4. If connected, squeeze the top and the bottom of the right half of the chest clip and pull to separate both halves.

5. Place the child on the child seat and position the shoulder belts over each shoulder.

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Seating and safety restraints

6. Insert either the left or the right safety belt tongue into the single opening of the crotch safety belt buckle (it doesn’t matter which tongue is inserted first). Insert other tongue. The color green must appear in the indicator window on the crotch safety belt buckle when buckled. Allow belts to retract and fit snugly.

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Seating and safety restraints

7. Fasten both halves of the chest clip below the child’s shoulders and adjust it to comfortably hold the shoulder belts in place on the child’s chest. The color green must appear in the indicator window when fastened.

8. Pull the shoulder belts toward you to make sure the crotch safety belt buckle is properly fastened and the retractor is locked. 9. If the belts become too tight, unbuckle the crotch safety belt buckle to unlock the retractors, then reinsert both belt tongues.

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Seating and safety restraints

Removingyourchildfromthe built-inchildseat 1. Squeeze the tabs on the top and the bottom of the chest clip and pull the halves apart to open the chest clip. 2. Press the release button on the crotch safety belt buckle.

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Seating and safety restraints

3. Slide the shoulder belts off the child’s shoulders and remove the child.

Tostowthebuilt-inchildseat Return the child seat cushion to the upright position, then press firmly in the center and top of the child seat.

Inspecting the built-in child seat after a collision Inspect all built-in child restraints, including seats, buckles, retractors, seat latches. Interlocks and attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified technician after any collision. If the child seat was in use during a collision, Ford recommends replacing it. Built-in child restraints not in use during a collision should be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

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Starting

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE Engine starting is controlled by the spark 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.

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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. 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. 2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off. If starting a vehicle with an automatic transaxle:

Starting

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Starting • Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle: • Make sure the parking brake is

set.

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• Push the clutch pedal to the

floor.

Starting

3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without turning the key to 4 (START).

ON II

CC

1 2/

FUEL FILL

50

80

40

60

70

100

120

80

140

90

30

60

0 0 0 0 0

160

100

20

40

10 20

MPH

0 0 0

km/h

180

110

120

LOW FUEL

CHECK

COOLANT

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

BRAKE

–

ABS

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

4 5

RPMx1000

THEFT

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Starting • If the driver’s safety belt is

fastened, the light ( illuminate.

) will not

ON II

CC

STARTING THE ENGINE 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 engine does not start within five seconds, wait ten seconds and try again. 3. If the engine does not start in two attempts OR if the temperature is below -12°C (10°F), depress the accelerator and start the engine while holding the accelerator down. 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. They are strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23°C (-10°F) or below.

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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 • the vehicle has been damaged in

changes

a collision

Starting

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Starting

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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BRAKES Your brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the “Service 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. If the

Driving

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Driving

vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder while braking, felt mainly in the steering wheel, the vehicle most likely needs service. The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lock up during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The front 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.

ABS warning lamp The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates for about five seconds when starting the vehicle. If an ABS fault is detected, the light will remain on and your vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. Normal braking is still effective unless the BRAKE warning lamp is also illuminated.

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

88

BRAKE

enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled 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.

The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released. The parking brake is not designed 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 be adversely affected.

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BRAKE

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

TRANSAXLE OPERATION

Manual transaxle (if equipped) Usingtheclutch 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.

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2. Hold down the brake pedal. 3. Depress the clutch pedal.

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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 the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life. Recommendedshiftspeeds Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:

Coupe

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy) 1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5

21 km/h (13 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 53 km/h (33 mph) 70 km/h (44 mph)

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Sedan/Wagon

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy) 1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5
Parkingyourvehicle 1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.

18 km/h (11 mph) 32 km/h (20 mph) 46 km/h (29 mph) 61 km/h (38 mph)

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2. Set the parking brake.

3. Shift into 1 (First).

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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.

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).

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

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into R (Reverse) when you downshift from 5 (Fifth).

Automatic transaxle (if equipped)

Hold the brake pedal down while you move the

gearshift lever from position to 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.

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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.

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(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.

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

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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 (overdrive) at any time.

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.

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

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Driving • 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.

• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each axle system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Label on the driver’s door pillar.

• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is allowed to tow.

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• Maximum Trailer Weight

Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating equals the vehicle curb weight for each engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.

• Maximum Trailer Weight:

maximum weight of a trailer the loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle. • Trailer Weight Range:

Specified weight range that the trailer must fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on

the Safety Compliance Certification Label.

Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with

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a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

TRAILER TOWING Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 454 kg (1 000 lbs.) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs.). Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles). Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components carefully after towing.

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on

the Safety Compliance Certification Label.

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.

Preparing to tow Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance.

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Hitches Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10 – 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Safetychains Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners. If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency gives to you. Trailerbrakes Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system

directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.

Trailerlamps Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your

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dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.

Driving while you tow Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer. Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades. When towing a trailer: • Use D (Drive) or a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling. • Anticipate stops and brake

gradually.

Servicingaftertowing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your “Service Guide” for more information.

Trailer towing tips • Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

• Allow more distance for

stopping with a trailer attached.

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• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight. • After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency.

• Vehicles with trailers should not

be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED) Load luggage as far back as it will safely go on the rack without causing the vehicle to exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross axle weight rating (GAWR).

FUEL CONSUMPTION Fuel economy can be improved by avoiding: • lack of regular, scheduled • excessive speed • rapid acceleration • extended idle

maintenance