Dodge Journey (2020 year). Manual in english — page 10

152

SAFETY

(Continued)

Always follow the directions of the child

restraint manufacturer when installing your

child restraint. Not all child restraint systems

will be installed as described here.

To Install A LATCH-Compatible Child

Restraint

If the selected seating position has a Switch-

able Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) seat

belt, stow the seat belt, following the instruc-

tions below. See the section “Installing Child

Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat Belt” to check

what type of seat belt each seating position has.

1. Loosen the adjusters on the lower straps

and on the tether strap of the child seat so

that you can more easily attach the hooks

or connectors to the vehicle anchorages.

2. Place the child seat between the lower

anchorages for that seating position. If the

second row seat can be reclined, you may

recline the seat and/or raise the head

restraint (if adjustable) to get a better fit. If

the rear seat can be moved forward and

rearward in the vehicle, you may wish to

move it to its rear-most position to make

room for the child seat. You may also move

the front seat forward to allow more room

for the child seat.

3. Attach the lower hooks or connectors of the

child restraint to the lower anchorages in

the selected seating position.

4. If the child restraint has a tether strap,

connect it to the top tether anchorage. See

the section “Installing Child Restraints

Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for direc-

tions to attach a tether anchor.

5. Tighten all of the straps as you push the

child restraint rearward and downward into

the seat. Remove slack in the straps

according to the child restraint manufac-

turer’s instructions.

6. Test that the child restraint is installed

tightly by pulling back and forth on the child

seat at the belt path. It should not move

more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any

direction.

How To Stow An Unused Switchable-ALR

(ALR) Seat Belt:

When using the LATCH attaching system to

install a child restraint, stow all ALR seat belts

that are not being used by other occupants or

being used to secure child restraints. An unused

belt could injure a child if they play with it and

accidentally lock the seat belt retractor. Before

installing a child restraint using the LATCH

system, buckle the seat belt behind the child

restraint and out of the child’s reach. If the

buckled seat belt interferes with the child

restraint installation, instead of buckling it

behind the child restraint, route the seat belt

through the child restraint belt path and then

buckle it. Do not lock the seat belt. Remind all

children in the vehicle that the seat belts are not

toys and that they should not play with them.

WARNING!



Improper installation of a child restraint to

the LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of

the restraint. The child could be badly

injured or killed. Follow the child restraint

manufacturer’s directions exactly when

installing an infant or child restraint.

SAFETY

153

Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle

Seat Belt

Child restraint systems are designed to be

secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap

belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt.

The seat belts in the passenger seating posi-

tions are equipped with either a Switchable

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching

latch plate or both. Both types of seat belts are

designed to keep the lap portion of the seat belt

tight around the child restraint so that it is not

necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR

retractor can be “switched” into a locked mode

by pulling all of the webbing out of the retractor

and then letting the webbing retract back into

the retractor. If it is locked, the ALR will make a

clicking noise while the webbing is pulled back

into the retractor. Refer to the “Automatic

Locking Mode” description in “Switchable Auto-

matic Locking Retractors (ALR)” under “Occu-

pant Restraint Systems” for additional

information on ALR. The cinching latch plate is

designed to hold the lap portion of the seat belt

tight when webbing is pulled tight and straight

through a child restraint’s belt path.
Please see the table below and the following

sections for more information.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Systems For Installing

Child Restraints In This Vehicle

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) And CINCH Loca

-

tions (Third Row Shown) — if equipped



Child restraint anchorages are designed to

withstand only those loads imposed by

correctly-fitted child restraints. Under no

circumstances are they to be used for adult

seat belts, harnesses, or for attaching other

items or equipment to the vehicle.

WARNING!



Improper installation or failure to properly

secure a child restraint can lead to failure

of the restraint. The child could be badly

injured or killed.



Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s

directions exactly when installing an infant

or child restraint.

WARNING!

(Continued)

Cinching Latchplate — CINCH
ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

4

154

SAFETY

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With Seat Belts

What is the weight limit (child’s

weight + weight of the child

restraint) for using the Tether

Anchor with the seat belt to attach

a forward facing child restraint?

Weight limit of the Child Restraint

Always use the tether anchor when

using the seat belt to install a

forward facing child restraint, up to

the recommended weight limit of

the child restraint.

Can the rear-facing child restraint

touch the back of the front

passenger seat?

Yes

Contact between the front

passenger seat and the child

restraint is allowed, if the child

restraint manufacturer also allows

contact.

Can the rear head restraints be

removed?

Yes

All second row head restraints are

removable if they interfere with the

installation of the child restraint.

Refer to “Head Restraints” in

“Getting To Know Your Vehicle” for

further information.

Can the buckle stalk be twisted to

tighten the seat belt against the

belt path of the child restraint?

Yes – CINCH

No – ALR

In positions with cinching latch

plates (CINCH), the buckle stalk

may be twisted up to 3 full turns.

Do not twist the buckle stalk in a

seating position with an ALR

retractor.

SAFETY

155

Installing A Child Restraint With A Switchable

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR):

Child restraint systems are designed to be

secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap

belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt.

1. Place the child seat in the center of the

seating position. If the second row seat can

be reclined, you may recline the seat and/

or raise the head restraint (if adjustable) to

get a better fit. If the rear seat can be

moved forward and rearward in the

vehicle, you may wish to move it to its

rear-most position to make room for the

child seat. You may also move the front

seat forward to allow more room for the

child seat.

2. Pull enough of the seat belt webbing from

the retractor to pass it through the belt path

of the child restraint. Do not twist the belt

webbing in the belt path.

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you

hear a “click.”

4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion

tight against the child seat.

5. To lock the seat belt, pull down on the

shoulder part of the belt until you have

pulled all the seat belt webbing out of the

retractor. Then, allow the webbing to retract

back into the retractor. As the webbing

retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This

means the seat belt is now in the Automatic

Locking mode.

6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor.

If it is locked, you should not be able to pull

out any webbing. If the retractor is not

locked, repeat step 5.

7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to

tighten the lap portion around the child

restraint while you push the child restraint

rearward and downward into the vehicle

seat.

8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap

and the seating position has a top tether

anchorage, connect the tether strap to the

anchorage and tighten the tether strap. See

the section “Installing Child Restraints

Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for direc-

tions to attach a tether anchor.

9. Test that the child restraint is installed

tightly by pulling back and forth on the child

seat at the belt path. It should not move

more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any

direction.

Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so

check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if

necessary.

WARNING!



Improper installation or failure to properly

secure a child restraint can lead to failure

of the restraint. The child could be badly

injured or killed.



Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s

directions exactly when installing an infant

or child restraint.

4

156

SAFETY

Installing A Child Restraint With A Cinching

Latch Plate (CINCH) — If Equipped:

Child restraint systems are designed to be

secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap

belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt.

1. Place the child seat in the center of the

seating position. If the second row seat can

be reclined, you may recline the seat and/

or raise the head restraint (if adjustable) to

get a better fit. If the rear seat can be

moved forward and rearward in the

vehicle, you may wish to move it to its

rear-most position to make room for the

child seat. You may also move the front

seat forward to allow more room for the

child seat.

2. Next, pull enough of the seat belt webbing

from the retractor to pass it through the belt

path of the child restraint. Do not twist the

belt webbing in the belt path.

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you

hear a “click.”

4. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to

tighten the lap portion around the child

restraint while you push the child restraint

rearward and downward into the vehicle

seat.

5. If the child restraint has a top tether strap

and the seating position has a top tether

anchorage, connect the tether strap to the

anchorage and tighten the tether strap. See

the section “Installing Child Restraints

Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for direc-

tions to attach a tether anchor.

6. Test that the child restraint is installed

tightly by pulling back and forth on the child

seat at the belt path. It should not move

more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any

direction.

Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so

check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if

necessary.
If the buckle or the cinching latch plate is too

close to the belt path opening of the child

restraint, you may have trouble tightening the

seat belt. If this happens, disconnect the latch

plate from the buckle and twist the short

buckle-end belt up to three full turns to shorten

it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the

release button facing out, away from the child

restraint. Repeat steps 4 to 6, above, to

complete the installation of the child restraint.
If the belt still cannot be tightened after you

shorten the buckle, disconnect the latch plate

from the buckle, turn the buckle around one

half turn, and insert the latch plate into the

buckle again. If you still cannot make the child

restraint installation tight, try a different seating

position.

WARNING!



Improper installation or failure to properly

secure a child restraint can lead to failure

of the restraint. The child could be badly

injured or killed.



Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s

directions exactly when installing an infant

or child restraint.

SAFETY

157

Installing Child Restraints Using The Top

Tether Anchorage

1. Look behind the seating position where

you plan to install the child restraint to find

the tether anchorage. You may need to

move the seat forward to provide better

access to the tether anchorage. If there is

no top tether anchorage for that seating

position, move the child restraint to

another position in the vehicle if one is

available.

Seat Track Release Lever

2. Route the tether strap to provide the most

direct path for the strap between the anchor

and the child seat. If your vehicle is

equipped with adjustable rear head

restraints, raise the head restraint, and

where possible, route the tether strap under

the head restraint and between the two

posts. If not possible, lower the head

restraint and pass the tether strap around

the outboard side of the head restraint.

3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child

restraint to the top tether anchorage as

shown in the diagram.

4. Remove slack in the tether strap according

to the child restraint manufacturer’s

instructions.

Rear Seat Tether Strap Mounting (Second Row 60/40)

WARNING!

Do not attach a tether strap for a rear-facing

car seat to any location in front of the car

seat, including the seat frame or a tether

anchorage. Only attach the tether strap of a

rear-facing car seat to the tether anchorage

that is approved for that seating position,

located behind the top of the vehicle seat.

See the section “Lower Anchors and Tethers

for CHildren (LATCH) Restraint System” for the

location of approved tether anchorages in

your vehicle.

4

158

SAFETY

Transporting Pets

Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm

your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown

about and possibly injured, or injure a

passenger during panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if

equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that

are secured by seat belts.

SAFETY TIPS

Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE

CARGO AREA.

Exhaust Gas

WARNING!



An incorrectly anchored tether strap could

lead to increased head motion and

possible injury to the child. Use only the

anchorage position directly behind the child

seat to secure a child restraint top tether

strap.



If your vehicle is equipped with a split rear

seat, make sure the tether strap does not

slip into the opening between the seat-

backs as you remove slack in the strap.

WARNING!



Do not leave children or animals inside

parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior

heat build-up may cause serious injury or

death.



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 seat belts.



Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat

and using a seat belt properly.

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain

carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and

odorless. Breathing it can make you

unconscious and can eventually poison you.

To avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety

tips:



Do not run the engine in a closed garage or

in confined areas any longer than needed

to move your vehicle in or out of the area.



If you are required to drive with the

trunk/liftgate/rear doors open, make sure

that all windows are closed and the climate

control BLOWER switch is set at high speed.

DO NOT use the recirculation mode.



If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle

with the engine running, adjust your

heating or cooling controls to force outside

air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high

speed.

SAFETY

159

(Continued)

The best protection against carbon monoxide

entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-

tained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of

the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can

be detected inside the vehicle, or when the

underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,

have a competent mechanic inspect the

complete exhaust system and adjacent body

areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or

mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose

connections could permit exhaust fumes to

seep into the passenger compartment. In addi-

tion, inspect the exhaust system each time the

vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change.

Replace as required.

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle

Seat Belts

Inspect the seat belt system periodically,

checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts.

Damaged parts must be replaced immediately.

Do not disassemble or modify the system.

Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced

after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must

be replaced after a collision if they have been

damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing,

etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt

or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.

Air Bag Warning Light

The Air Bag warning light will turn on for four

to eight seconds as a bulb check when the igni-

tion switch is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light

is either not on during starting, stays on, or

turns on while driving, have the system

inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as

possible. After the bulb check, this light will illu-

minate with a single chime when a fault with the

Air Bag System has been detected. It will stay on

until the fault is removed. If the light comes on

intermittently or remains on while driving, have

an authorized dealer service the vehicle imme-

diately.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in

“Safety” for further information.

Defroster

Check operation by selecting the defrost mode

and place the blower control on high speed. You

should be able to feel the air directed against

the windshield. See an authorized dealer for

service if your defroster is inoperable.

Floor Mat Safety Information

Always use floor mats designed to fit your

vehicle. Only use a floor mat that does not inter-

fere with the operation of the accelerator, brake

or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat that is

securely attached using the floor mat fasteners

so it cannot slip out of position and interfere

with the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals or

impair safe operation of your vehicle in other

ways.

WARNING!

An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or

stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat

fasteners may cause your floor mat to

interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch

pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To

prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:



ALWAYS securely attach your floor mat

using the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT

install your floor mat upside down or turn

your floor mat over. Lightly pull to confirm

mat is secured using the floor mat

fasteners on a regular basis.

4

160

SAFETY

(Continued)

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make

Outside The Vehicle

Tires

Examine tires for excessive tread wear and

uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,

glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or

sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.

Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.

Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the

tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation

pressure.

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of brake

lights and exterior lights while you work the

controls. Check turn signal and high beam indi-

cator lights on the instrument panel.

Door Latches

Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.

Fluid Leaks

Check area under the vehicle after overnight

parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.

Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, or

brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause

should be located and corrected immediately.



ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR
MAT FROM THE VEHICLE before

installing any other floor mat. NEVER install

or stack an additional floor mat on top of an

existing floor mat.



ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your

vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that

cannot be properly attached and secured to

your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be

replaced, only use a FCA approved floor

mat for the specific make, model, and year

of your vehicle.



ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the

driver’s side floor area. To check for inter-

ference, with the vehicle properly parked

with the engine off, fully depress the accel-

erator, the brake, and the clutch pedal (if

present) to check for interference. If your

floor mat interferes with the operation of

any pedal, or is not secure to the floor,

remove the floor mat from the vehicle and

place the floor mat in your trunk.



ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on

the passenger’s side floor area.

WARNING!

(Continued)



ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or

slide into the driver’s side floor area when

the vehicle is moving. Objects can become

trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch

pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle

control.



NEVER place any objects under the floor

mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects

could change the position of the floor mat

and may cause interference with the accel-

erator, brake, or clutch pedals.



If the vehicle carpet has been removed and

re-installed, always properly attach carpet

to the floor and check the floor mat

fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.

Fully depress each pedal to check for inter-

ference with the accelerator, brake, or

clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.



It is recommended to only use mild soap

and water to clean your floor mats. After

cleaning, always check your floor mat has

been properly installed and is secured to

your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners

by lightly pulling mat.

WARNING!

(Continued)

161

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,

adjust the inside and outside mirrors, fasten

your seat belt, and if present, instruct all other

occupants to buckle their seat belts.

Automatic Transmission

The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or

PARK position before you can start the engine.

Apply the brakes before shifting into any driving

gear.

Normal Starting

To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE

START/STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while

pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button

once.

WARNING!



When exiting the vehicle, always make sure

the ignition is in “OFF” mode, remove the

key fob from the vehicle and lock the

vehicle.



Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving

children in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child

or others could be seriously or fatally

injured. Children should be warned not to

touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the

transmission gear selector.



Do not leave the key fob in or near the

vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil-

dren), and do not leave the ignition (of a

vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go)

in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or

move the vehicle.



Do not leave children or animals inside

parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior

heat build-up may cause serious injury or

death.

WARNING!

(Continued)

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the

following precautions are not observed:



Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or

NEUTRAL into any forward gear when the

engine is above idle speed.



Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has

come to a complete stop.



Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop and

the engine is at idle speed.



Before shifting into any gear, make sure

your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

5

162

STARTING AND OPERATING

3. The system takes over and attempts to start

the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the

starter will disengage automatically after

10 seconds.

4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the

engine prior to the engine starting, push the

ENGINE START/STOP button again.

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine is obtained without pumping or pressing

the accelerator pedal.

To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE START/

STOP Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push

and release the ENGINE START/STOP

button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF mode.

3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the

ENGINE START/STOP button must be held

for two seconds or three short pushes in a

row with the vehicle speed above 5 mph

(8 km/h) before the engine will shut off. The

ignition will remain in the ACC mode until

the gear selector is in PARK and the button

is pushed twice to the OFF mode. If the gear

selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE

START/STOP button is pushed once, the

instrument cluster will display a “Vehicle

Not In Park” message and the engine will

remain running. Never leave a vehicle out of

the PARK position, or it could roll.

NOTE:

If the gear selector is in NEUTRAL, push and

release the ENGINE START/STOP button with

the vehicle speed below 5 mph (8 km/h) before

the engine will shut off, and the ignition will

remain in the ACC position. The system will

automatically time out and the ignition will cycle

to the OFF mode after 30 minutes of inactivity if

the ignition is left in the ACC or RUN (engine not

running) mode and the transmission is in PARK.

ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With

Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or

NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates

similar to an ignition switch. It has three modes:

OFF, ACC, and RUN. To change the ignition

modes without starting the vehicle and use the

accessories, follow these directions:

1. Start with the ignition in the OFF mode.

2. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once

to place the ignition to the ACC mode.

3. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a

second time to place the ignition to the RUN

mode.

4. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a

third time to return the ignition to the OFF

mode.

STARTING AND OPERATING

163

(Continued)

Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition

Keyless Push Button Ignition

This feature allows the driver to operate the igni-

tion switch with the push of a button, as long as

the Remote Start/Keyless Enter-N-Go key fob is

in the passenger compartment.

Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or

−30°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these tempera-

tures, use of an externally powered electric

engine block heater (available from an autho-

rized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

If the engine fails to start after you have

followed the "Normal Starting" or "Cold Weather

Operation" procedure it may be flooded. Push

the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and

hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than

15 seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in

case the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition

key in the RUN position, release the accelerator

pedal and repeat the “Normal Starting”

procedure.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and

it will decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and

permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect

the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC elec-

trical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-

sion cord.

WARNING!



Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid

into the throttle body air inlet opening in an

attempt to start the vehicle. This could

result in flash fire causing serious personal

injury.



Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle

to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an

automatic transmission cannot be started

this way. Unburned fuel could enter the

catalytic converter and once the engine has

started, ignite and damage the converter

and vehicle.



If the vehicle has a discharged battery,

booster cables may be used to obtain a

start from a booster battery or the battery in

another vehicle. This type of start can be

dangerous if done improperly. Refer to

“Jump Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of

Emergency” for further information.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not

continuously crank the engine for more than

25 seconds at a time. Wait 60 seconds

before trying again.

WARNING!

(Continued)

5

164

STARTING AND OPERATING

The engine block heater must be plugged in at

least one hour to have an adequate effect on

the engine.
The engine block heater cord is bundled under

the hood between the headlight assembly and

the Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuse Box)

on the driver's side of the vehicle.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the

engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in

your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles

(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),

speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are

desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration

within the limits of local traffic laws contributes

to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle accelera-

tion in low gear can be detrimental and should

be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the

factory is a high-quality energy conserving type

lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with

anticipated climate conditions under which

vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-

mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to

“Fluids And Lubricants” in

“Technical Specifications”.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera-

tion. This should be considered a normal part of

the break-in and not interpreted as a problem.

Please check your oil level with the engine oil

indicator often during the break in period. Add

oil as required.

PARKING BRAKE

Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that the

parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to

leave the transmission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located

below the lower left corner of the instrument

panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the

park brake pedal fully. To release the parking

brake, press the park brake pedal a second

time and let your foot up as you feel the brake

disengage.

Parking Brake

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block

heater cord before driving. Damage to the

110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause

electrocution.

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight

Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may

result.

STARTING AND OPERATING

165

(Continued)

When the parking brake is applied with the igni-

tion switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the

instrument cluster will illuminate.

NOTE:



When the parking brake is applied and the

transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake

Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is

detected, a chime will sound to alert the

driver. Fully release the parking brake before

attempting to move the vehicle.



This light only shows that the parking brake is

applied. It does not show the degree of brake

application.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the

front wheels toward the curb on a downhill

grade and away from the curb on an uphill

grade. For vehicles equipped with an automatic

transmission, apply the parking brake before

placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the

load on the transmission locking mechanism

may make it difficult to move the gear selector

out of PARK. The parking brake should always

be applied whenever the driver is not in the

vehicle.

WARNING!



Never use the PARK position as a substi-

tute for the parking brake. Always apply the

parking brake fully when parked to guard

against vehicle movement and possible

injury or damage.



Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving

unattended children in a vehicle is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child

or others could be seriously or fatally

injured. Children should be warned not to

touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the

gear selector. Do not leave the key fob in or

near the vehicle, or in a location accessible

to children, and do not leave the ignition of

a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go

in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or

move the vehicle.



Be sure the parking brake is fully disen-

gaged before driving; failure to do so can

lead to brake failure and a collision.



Always fully apply the parking brake when

leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause

damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave

the transmission in PARK. Failure to do so

may cause the vehicle to roll and cause

damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with

the parking brake released, a brake system

malfunction is indicated. Have the brake

system serviced by an authorized dealer

immediately.

WARNING!

(Continued)

5

166

STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

(Continued)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

Ignition Park Interlock

Your vehicle is equipped with a Ignition Park

Interlock which requires the transmission to be

in PARK before the ignition can be turned to the

OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid inadver-

tently leaving the vehicle without placing the

transmission in PARK. This system also locks

the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition

is in the OFF mode.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmis-

sion Shift Interlock (BTSI) system that holds the

transmission gear selector in PARK unless the

brakes are applied. To shift the transmission

out of PARK, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN

mode (engine running or not) and the brake

pedal must be pressed.

WARNING!



It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or

NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than

idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing

the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel-

erate quickly forward or in reverse. You

could lose control of the vehicle and hit

someone or something. Only shift into gear

when the engine is idling normally and your

foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.



Unintended movement of a vehicle could

injure those in or near the vehicle. As with

all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle

while the engine is running. Before exiting a

vehicle, always come to a complete stop,

then apply the parking brake, shift the

transmission into PARK, and turn the igni-

tion OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF

mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,

securing the vehicle against unwanted

movement.



When exiting the vehicle, always make sure

the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the

key fob from the vehicle, and lock the

vehicle.



Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle.

Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat-

tended is dangerous for a number of

reasons. A child or others could be seriously

or fatally injured. Children should be

warned not to touch the parking brake,

brake pedal or the transmission gear

selector.



Do not leave the key fob in or near the

vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil-

dren), and do not leave the ignition in the

ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or

move the vehicle.

CAUTION!



Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only

after the vehicle has come to a complete

stop.



Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,

NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is

above idle speed.

WARNING!

(Continued)



Before shifting into any gear, make sure

your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

CAUTION!

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

167

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

The transmission gear position display (located

in the instrument cluster) indicates the trans-

mission gear range. You must press the brake

pedal to move the gear selector out of PARK

(refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock

System” in this section). To drive, move the gear

selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE

position.
The electronically-controlled transmission

provides a precise shift schedule. The transmis-

sion electronics are self-calibrating; therefore,

the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be

somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,

and precision shifts will develop within a few

hundred miles (kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE

when the accelerator pedal is released and the

vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on

the brake pedal when shifting between these

gears.

The transmission gear selector provides PARK,

REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick (-/+)

shift positions. Manual shifts can be made

using the AutoStick shift control. Moving the

gear selector into the AutoStick (-/+) position

(below the Drive position) activates Autostick

mode, providing manual shift control and

displaying the current gear in the instrument

cluster. In AutoStick mode, tapping the gear

selector left (-) or right (+) will manually select

the transmission gear. Refer to "AutoStick" in

this section for further information.

Gear Selector

Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when

shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another

gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment

to allow the selected gear to engage before

accelerating. This is especially important when

the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by

locking the transmission. The engine can be

started in this range. Never attempt to use

PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the

parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this

range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift

the transmission into PARK first, and then apply

the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake

before shifting the transmission to PARK, other-

wise the load on the transmission locking mech-

anism may make it difficult to move the gear

selector out of PARK. As an added precaution,

turn the front wheels toward the curb on a

downhill grade and away from the curb on an

uphill grade.

5