The 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Intelligent Owner’s Manual
©
Click here to See the Beta Version of the new IOM with
Video. Click on Image to get even more Information. Click on Temp Gauge to see
Video Explanations.
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,