1998_chevrolet_express_owners

1 Smaller Children and Babies (Cargo Vans A CL-. ON:
with PassengerAir Bags)
A very young child’s hip boneasre so small that a
r regular belt might not stalyow onthe hips, as it
should. Instead, the belwt ill likely be over the
Children who are up against, or very close to,any child’s abdomen.In a crash, the belt would apply
air bag whenit inflates can be seriouslyinjured force right on thechild’s abdomen, which could
or killed. This istrue even if your vehicle has cause seriousor fatalinjuries. Smaller children
reduced-force frontal airbags. Air bags plus and babies should always breestrained in a child
lap-shoulder belts offetrhe best protectionfor restraint. However, infants, who should be
adults, but not for young childrenand infants. restrained in a rear-facing childrestraint, cannot
Neither the vehicle’s safety belt systenmor its air ride safely in this vehicle. Thinestructionsfor the
bag system is designefdor them. Young children restraint will say whetherit is the right type and
and infants needthe protection that a child
restraint system can provide. Always secure size for your child.Ifa forward-facing child
children properly in youvrehicle.
restraint is suitable for your child, besure the
child is always properlryestrained while riding in
this vehicle.

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--Never hold a baby in your armwshile riding ina

vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much until a
crash. During a crash a bawbiyll become so
heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash
at only 25 mph(40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby
will suddenly become a 240-1b. (110kg) force on
your arms. The babwy ould be almost impossible
to hold.

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Child Restraints

Every time infants and young children ridein
vehicles, they should have protection provided
by appropriate restraints.

@ What are the different typesof add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints are available in fourbasic

types. When selecting a child restraint, take into
consideration not only the child’s weight ansdize,
but also whether or not the restraint will be
compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will
be used.

An infant car bed (A) is aspecial bed made for use
in a motor vehicle. It’s aninfant restraint system
designed to restrainor position a child ona
continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed,
make sure that the infant’s head rests towardthe
center of the vehicle.

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A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant
to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant

restraints are designed for infants of up to about
20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type
of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head,
neck and body can have the support they needin a

crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the

base stays secured in thevehicle and the seat part
is removable.

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A forward-facing child restraint(C-E) positions a
child uprightto face forwardin the vehicle. These
forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect
children who are from20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and
about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up
to around four yearsof age. Onetype,a convertible
restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing
infant seat or a forward-facing child seat.

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i

A booster seat (F,G) is designed for children who

are about40to 60 lbs. (18 to 27 kg) and about
four to eight years of age. It’s designed toimprove
the fit of the vehicle’ssafety belt system. Booster
seats with shields use lap-only belts; however,
booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder
belts. Booster seats can also helpa child to see
out the window.

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When choosing a child restraint,be sure the child A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
restraint is designed to be used in a vehicleI.f it is, it seriously injured orkilled if the right front
will have a label saying that it meets FederalMotor passenger’s air bag inflatese,ven if your vehicle
Vehicle Safety Standards. has reduced-force frontal aibrags. This is
because the backof the rear-facingchild
Then follow the instructionsfor the restraint.You may restraint would be veryclose to the inflatingair
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a bag. If your vehicle has a right fronptassenger’s
booklet, or both.These restraints use the belt system in air bag, always secure raearfacing child
your vehicle, but thechild also has to be secured within restraint in a rearseat.
the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
The instructions thatcome with the infant or child You may secure a forward-facing child restraint
restraint will showyou how to dothat. Both theowner’s in the right front seat, but befyoorue do, always
manual and the child restrainitnstructions are important, move the front passenger seat as far absacitk
so if either one of these is not available, obtain a will go. It’s better to secure thcehild restraint in
replacement copyfrom the manufacturer. a rearseat.

Where to Put the Restrain(tExcept Cargo Wherever you installit, be sure to secure the child
Vans and Cab andChassis Models) restraint properly.

Accident statistics show thacthildren are safer if they Keep in mind thaat n unsecured child restraint can move
are restrained in the rearather than the front seat.We at around in a collisionor sudden stop and injure peoplein
General Motors therefore recommend that you put your the vehicle. Besure to properly secure any child
child restraintin a rear seat. If your vehicle has a front
passenger air bag, never put a rear-facing child restraint restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.
in thefront passenger seat. Here’s why:

Where toPut the Restraint (CargoVans Top Strap
and Cab and Chassis Models)
If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be
The childrestraint must be secured properly in the anchored. If you need to have ananchor installed, you
passenger seat. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, can ask your GM dealer to put it in for you. If you want
never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you
Here's why: how to do it.

' A CAUTIO€'

I

A child ina rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the passenger's
air bag inflates, evenif your vehicle has
reduced-force frontal air bags. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child restraint would
be very closeto the inflatingair bag. Do not use
a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle.

If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for
your child, alwayms ove the passengerseat as far
back as it will go.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move
around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in
the vehicle. Be sure toproperly secure any child

restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear around the restraint.The child restraint instructions
Outside Seat Position will show you how.

If the shoulder belt goes ifnront of the child’s face or
neck, putit behind the child restraint.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
about thetop strap if the childrestraint has one. Be sure positioned so you wouldbe able to unbuckle the
to follow the instructions that came with the child safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and
as theinstructions say.

1. Put the restraint on the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and runthe lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safetybelt through or

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4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of 5. To tighten the belt, feed the shouldebrelt back into the
the retractor to set the lock. retractor while you push down on the child restrainItf.
you’re usinga forward-facing child restraint, you may
find it helpful to use yokunree to push down on the
child restraint as you tighten the belt.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint,just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all theway. The safety belt
will move freely again andbe ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.

1-53

Securing a Child Restraint ina Center
Seat Position

You'll be using the lap beltB. e sure to follow the 1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch
instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the plate and pulling it along the belt.
child in the child restraint whenand as the instructions say.
2. Put the restraint on the seat.
See the earlier part about the top strap if the child
restraint has one. 3. Run the vehicle's safety belt through or around the
restraint. The child restraint instructions will show
you how.

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6. Push and pull thechild restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint,just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger
child passenger.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
positioned so you would beable to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5 . To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push
down on the child restraint. If you’re using a
forward-facing child restraint, you may find it
helpful to use yourknee to push downon the child
restraint as youtighten the belt.

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If your vehicle hasa front passenger air bag,never put a You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. Setehe earlier part
rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’swhy: about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure
to follow theinstructions that came with the child
A child ina rear-facing child restraint can be restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and
seriously injured orkilled if the front passenger’s as the instructions say.
air bag inflates,even if your vehicle has
reduced-force frontal airbags. This is because 1. If your vehicle hasa front passenger air bag, always
the backof the rear-facing child restrainwtould
be very close to the inflating abiarg. If your move the seat as far back as it willgo before
vehicle is a passenger van, always secure a
rearfacing child restraint in a reasreat. securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See
If your vehicle is a cargo vanwith a right front “Seats” in the Index.)
passenger air bag, do not usea rear-facing child
restraint in thivsehicle. If a forward-facing child 2. Put the restraint on the seat.
restraint is suitable for youcrhild, always move
the passenger seat afsar back asit will go. 3. Pick up the latchplate, and run thelap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint.The child restraintinstructions
will show you how.

If the shoulder belt goes infront of the child’s faceor
neck, put it behind thechild restraint.

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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the the retractor to set the lock.
safety belt quickly if youever had to.

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Larger Children

6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the

retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down Children who have outgrown child restraints should

on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

I Push and pull the child restraint in different If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a
window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and
I.

directions to be sure it issecure.

To remove the child restraint,just unbuckle the vehicle’s get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult

or larger child passenger.

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Accident statistics show that children are safer if they A1 CAUTION: I
are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the
safety belts properly. Never do this.

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out Here two children are wearing the same belt. The
in a crash. belt can’t properly spread the impact forces.aIn
crash, the two children can be crushed together
Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other and seriously injuredA. belt must be used by
people who are. only one person at a time.

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@ What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,

but the child isso small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child’s face or neck?

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but

be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s
shoulder, so that in acrash the child’s upper body
would have the restraint that belts provide. If the
child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see
“Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If
the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still
very close to the child’s face or neck, you might
want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt,
if your vehicle has one.

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But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your

dealer willorder you an extender. It’sfree. When you go

in to order it, take the heaviest coat youwill wear, so the

Never do this. extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just foryou, and just forthe seat in your vehicle that

Here a childis sitting in a seat that has a you choose. Don’tlet someone else use it, and use it

lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind only for theseat it is made to fit. To wear it, justattach it
the child.If the child wears the belt in this way, in to the regular safety belt.

a crash the child might slide under the belt. The Checking Your Restraint Systems
belt’s force would then be applied right on the
child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or Now and then,make sure the safety belt reminderlight
fatal injuries. and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly.Look for any other

loose or damaged safety belt system partsI.f you see

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt anything that mightkeep a safety belt system from
should be wornlow and snug on the hips, just touching doing its job,have it repaired.

the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s Torn or frayed safety belts may notprotect you in a
pelvic bones in a crash. crash. They can rip apart underimpact forces. If a belt is

Safety Belt Extender torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

If the vehicle’s safety beltwill fasten around you, you Also look for any openedor broken air bagcovers, and
should useit. have themrepaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not needregular maintenance.)

1-61

Replacing Restraint System Parts Ifbelts are cut or damaged,replace them. Collision
After a Crash damage also may mean you will needto have safety belt
or seat parts repairedor replaced. New parts andrepairs
If you’ve hada crash, do you need newbelts? may be necessary evenif the belt wasn’t being usedat
the time of the collision.
After a very minorcollision,nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would beif worn If an air bag inflates, you’ll needto replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag systemearlier
during a more severe crash, then you need newbelts. in this section.

1-62

f i NOTES

1-63

f i NOTES

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 doif you have a problem.

2-2 Keys 2-30 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
2-4 Door Locks 2-30 Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped)
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) 2-3 1 Windows
2-6 Your Doors and How They Work 2-33 Horn
2-9 Theft 2-34 Tilt Wheel (Option)
2- 15 Passlock@ 2-34 Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
2- 16 New Vehicle“Break-In” 2-40 Exterior Lamps
Ignition Positions 2-43 Interior Lamps
2- 17 Starting Your Gasoline Engine 2-45 Mirrors
2- 17 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) 2-48 Storage Compartments
Automatic Transmission Operation 2-48 Cigarette LightedAshtray
2-18 Parking Brake 2-49 Sun Visors
2-20 Shifting Into PARK (P) 2-50 Instrument Panel
2-2 1 Shifting Out of PARK (P) 2-5 1 Instrument Cluster
2-24 Parking Over Things That Burn 2-53 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2-25 Engine Exhaust
2-28
2-29
2-29

Keys

aI

I CAUTION:

Leaving young children in a vehicle with the

ignition keyis dangerous for manyreasons. A child

or others could be badly injured or eveknilled.

They could operate power windowors other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't
leave the keys ina vehicle with young children.

2-2

P k,. Your vehicle has one NOTICE:
double-sided key for the
I:. ignition and all door locks. Your vehicle hasa number of new features that
can help prevent theft. But you can havleot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your key inside.You may even have to damage
your vehicle toget in. So be sure you have an
extra key.

If you ever lose your key, your dealer will beable to
assist you with obtaining a new one.

The bar-coded tag hasa codeon it that tells your dealer
or a qualified locksmith how to make an extra key. Keep
this tag ina safe place. If you lose your key, you’ll be
able to have a new one made easily using thistag.

Door Locks There areseveral ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.

Unlocked doors can be dangerous. If your vehicle is equipped with remote keyless entry,
see “Keyless Entry System” later inthis section for
-- --Passengers especially children can easily more information.

open thedoors and fall out. Whena door is From theoutside, use your key.
locked, the insidehandle won’t open it.
Outsiders can easilyenter through an unlocked .F To lock the door from the
door when you slow downor stop your vehicle. inside, slide the lever on
This may not beso obvious: You increase the your door down.
chance of being thrown ouotf the vehicle ina
crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts To unlock the door, slide
properly, lock your doors,and you will befar the lever up.
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

2-4

Power Door Locks (Option) Child Security Locks

Press the bottomside of the Child security locks are located onthe passenger side
power door lock switch to
lock the doors at once. rear door, the side sliding door or the front portion of
the 60/40 side swing-out door.
When a door is locked, the inside door handle will
not work. CHILD With this feature, you can
SECURITY lock these doors so they
can’t be opened fromthe
LOCK inside by passengers.

Printed In U.S.A. Move the button down to
engage the security feature.
Move the button up to
return the door locks to
normal operation.

Rear Cargo Door

2-5

Move the button tothe Keyless Entry System(If Equipped)
left to engage the
security feature. Move If your vehicle hasthis option, you can lockand unlock
the button to the right to
return the door locks to your doors from about3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m)
normal operation.
away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied
with your vehicle.

60/40 Move the buttonup to
engage the security
1“4 CHILD feature. Move the button
$, SECURITY down to return the door
~ locks to normal operation.
LOCK
w Your keyless entry system operates ona radio frequency
subject to FederalCommunicationsCommission (FCC)
AL Rules and with IndustryCanada.

Side SlidingDoor

2-6

This device complies withPart 15of the FCC Rules. This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and system. If the transmitter does not workor if you have
(2) this device must accept any interference received, to stand closer to your vehiclefor thetransmitter to
including interference that may cause undesired operation. work, try this:

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. 0 Check to determine if battery replacement or
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: transmitter resynchronization is necessary. See the
(1) this device may not cause interference, and ( 2 )this instructions that follow.
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of 0 Check the distance. You may betoo far fromyour
the device. vehicle. You may needto stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to 0 Check the location. Other vehicles or ogects may be
use this equipment. blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold thetransmitter higher, andtry again.

0 If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.

2-7

Operation Battery Replacement

To unlock thedriver's door, press the UNLOCKbutton. Under normal use,the battery in your remote keyless

If you press this button again withifnive seconds, all the entry transmitter shouldlast about two years.

doors will unlock. Press thRe EAR 2X button twice to You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won't
unlock the rear door only. Whetnhe UNLOCK or work at the normal rangein any location. If you haveto
REAR 2X buttonis pressed, the interior dome lampasre get close to your vehicle beforethe transmitter works,
turned onfor 40 seconds or until the ignition switchis
activated. Press LOCK tolock all doors. it's probably time to change the battery.

Matching Transmitter(s)To Your Vehicle I 1

Each remote keyless entry transmitteisr coded to NOTICE:

prevent another transmitterfrom unlocking your vehicle. When replacing the battery, use care not to touch
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be any of the circuitry. Static from your body
purchased through your dealer. Remembteor bring any transferred to these surfaces may damage the
remaining transmitters with you when yoguo to your transmitter.
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement

transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters

must alsobe matched. Once your dealer has codedthe Use one Panasonic@type CR2032 battery:

new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your

vehicle. Each vehicle can have only two transmitters

matched to it.

1. Insert a dime in the slot between the covers of the Synchronization
transmitter housing near the key ring hole. Remove
the bottom by twisting the dime. Synchronization may be necessarydue to the security
method used by this system. The transmitter does not
2. Remove and replace the battery, positive side down. send the same signal twice to the receiver.The receiver
will not respondto a signal it has beensent previously.
3. Align the covers and snap them together. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back
4. Check the operation of the transmitter. the signal from the transmitter.

To resynchronize your transmitter, stand close to your
vehicle and simultaneously press and hold theLOCK
and UNLOCK buttons on thetransmitter for at least five
seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm
synchronization. If the locks do not cycle, see your
dealer for service.

Your Doors and How'TheyWork

Front Doors

To open the door from the outside, pull the handle and
pull the door open.

To open the door from the inside, pull the lever toward
you and push thedoor open.

I I
60140 Swing-Out Side Door

To open the “60” (front) portion of a 60140 door from To open the “60” (front) portion of a 60/40 door
the outside, pull up on the handle and pull the handle from the inside, pull the handle toward you and push
toward you. open the door.

2-10

To open the “40” (rear) portion of a 60/40 door from the
outside, pull the handle on the side of the rear door and
pull it towardyou.
To close the side doors, close the “40” (rear) door first.
Then close the “60” (front) door.Check to make sure
both doors are completely closed.
The front side swing-out door has a check strap
assembly in the door frame to keep the door from
opening beyond 90 degrees.
To open the door beyond 90 degrees, close the door
partially, pull thecheck strap outward at the springhole
and then open the door. When yoculose the door, the
check strap will automatically re-engage.

2-11

Sliding SideDoor (Option)

To open the sliding side door from outside, pull the To close the sliding side door from outside, use the
handle toward the rearof the vehicle.Then, slide the outside door handleto slide the door toward thefront
door toward the rear of thevehicle to open. of the vehicle.

When the door slides closed completely,it will beflush
with the sideof the body.

2-12

I

To open the sliding door from inside, rotate the handle To close the sliding door from inside, grasp the inside
upward and toward therear of the vehicle.Then, slide handle and slide thedoor toward thefront of the vehicle
the door toward the rear of the vehicleto open. to a closed position.

Make sure the door iscompletely closed before driving
your vehicle.

2-13

Rear Doors

To open the rear doors from the outside, open the I . To open the driver side rear door, pulllatthceh release
passenger side rear door first. Pull the handle toward
you to open the door. lever at the insidedge of the door.

Both rear doors can be opened past 90 degrees by
opening the doors past thefirst detent (90 degrees open),
then opening fully.

To close the rear doors,close the driver side rear door
first. Then, close the passengerside rear door. Check to
make sure both doorsare completely closed.

2-14

A CAJ T A N : Theft

It can be dangerous to driwvieth the rear doors Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
open because carbon monoxid(eCO) gas can Although your vehiclehas a number of theft-deterrent
features, we knowthat nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are wayysou can help.

come into yourvehicle. You can’t see or smell Key in the Ignition
CO. It can cause unconsciousness anevden death.

If you must drivewith the rear doors open iofr must If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
electrical wiring or other cable connections
pass through the seal between bthoedy and the easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so

don’t do it.

rear doors: When you park your vehicleand open the driver’s door,

Make sure allwindows are shut. you’ll hear a tone reminding youto remove your key from
I’urn the fan on your heating ocr ooling the ignition and take it withyou. Always do this. Your
system to its highest spewedith the setting steering wheel will be locked, andso will your ignition
on VENT, HEAT, BLEND or DEF. and transmission. And remembetro lock the doors.

Additionally, on vehicles withheatindair Parking at Night

conditioning systems, NORM A/C or Park in a lighted spot,close all windows and lock your
BI-LEVEL A/C can beused. That will vehicle. Remember to keep your valuablesout of sight.
force outside air into yovuerhicle. See Put them in astorage area, or take them with you.
“Comfort Controls” in the Index.

If you have air outletson or under the

instrument panel, open them all twheay.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

Parking Lots During normaloperation, the SECURITY light willgo
off after the engine is started.
If you park in a lot wherseomeone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s bestto lock it up and take your keys. If the engine stalls and the SECURITY light flashes,
But whatif you haveto leave your ignition key? Whatif wait until the light stops flashing before tryintgo restart
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle? the engine. Rememberto release the key from the
START positionas soon as theengine starts.
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your front
storage compartment. If you are driving and the SECURITY light comes oyno,u
will be ableto restart the engine if youturn the engineoff.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s. However, your Passlock system is not working properly
and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not
Passlock@ protected by Passlock at this timeY. ou may also want to
check the fuse (see “Fuseasnd Circuit Breakers” in the
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock Index). See your dealer for service.
theft-deterrent system.
If the SECURITY lightcomes on while theengine is
Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent system.The system running, a problem has been detecteadnd the system
is armed once the key is removedfrom the ignition. may need service.See your dealer for service.
Passlock enables fuelif the ignitionlock cylinder is
turned witha valid key.If a correct key is not used, In an emergency, call thGe M Roadside Assistance
fuel is disabled. Center. See “Roadside Assistance’’ in the Index.

2-16

New Vehicle 44Break-In” Ignition Positions

NOTICE: Your key lets you turn the ignition switchto five
different positions.
Your vehicle doesn’t needan elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform betterin the long C
run if you follow these guidelines: ,------1---\D

Keep your speedat 55 mph (88 km/h) or AE
less for the firs5t 00 miles (805 km).
ACCESSORY (A): ACCESSORY lets you use things
--Don’t drive at any one speed fast or like the radio, power windowsand the windshield
wipers whenthe engine is off. To get into
slow -9 for thefirst 500 miles (805 km). ACCESSORY, push in the keyand turn it toward you.
Don’t make full-throttle starts. Your steering wheel will remain lockedj,ust as it was
Avoid making hard stops for the first before you inserted the key.
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’tyet broken
in. Hard stops withnew linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.

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LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition, steering Starting Your Gasoline Engine
wheel and transmission.It’s a theft-deterrent feature.
You will onlybe able to remove your key whenthe If you havea diesel engine, see “Starting Your Diesel
ignition is turned to LOCK. Engine” inthe Diesel Engine Supplement.
Move your shift lever toPARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
OFF (C): This position letsyou turn off theengine but
Your engine won’t start in anyother position -- that’s a
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t loctkhe steering
wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have your safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
vehicle in motionwhile the engine is off (for example, if use NEUTRAL(N) only.
your vehicle is being pushed).
NOTICE:
RUN (D): This is the positionfor driving.
Don’t try to shift tPoARK (P)if your vehicle is
START (E): This starts your engine. moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift toPARK (P) only when your
NOTICE: vehicle is stopped.

If your key seems stuck inLOCK and you can’t 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
turn it, be sure you are using the correcktey; if ignition key toSTART. When theengine starts, let
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the go of the key.The idle speed willgo down as your
steering wheel left and rightwhile you turn the engine gets warm.
key hard. But turn thkeey only with your hand.
Using a tool to force ictould break thekey or the
ignition switch.If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.

2-1s

NOTICE: NOTICE:

Holding yourkey in STARTfor longer than Your engine is designed to work with the
15 seconds at a timewill cause your battery to be electronics in yourvehicle. If you add electrical
drained muchsooner. And theexcessive heat can parts oraccessories, you could change theway
damage your startemr otor. the engine operatesB. efore adding electrical
equipment, check with youdrealer. If you don’t,
2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in your engine might not perform properly.
START. If it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
accelerator pedal all the way down for five more the partof this manual thatells how to do it
seconds, unless it starts sooner. without damaging youvrehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
3. If your engine still won’t start (orstarts but then
stops), wait 15 seconds and start over.

When the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.

Engine Cool-nt Heater (If Equipped) To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

I 1. Turn off the engine.

I 2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord.

In very cold weather, 0°F (-I 8OC) or colder, the engine The cord for the engine coolant heateris located on
coolant heater can help. You’ll geetasier starting and the driver’sside of the engine compartment and is
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, attached to the hose for the power steering reservoir.
the coolant heater shouldbe plugged in a minimumof
four hours priorto starting your vehicle. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1IO-volt AC outlet.

1 A CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could causean electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord intoa 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 15amps.

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4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store There are several different positions for your shift lever.
the cord asit was beforeto keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged. Your vehicle isequipped with an automatic
transmission, and itfeatures an electronic shift position
How long should youkeep the coolant heater plugged indicator within the instrument cluster. This display
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of being moved out ofthe PARK (P) position. This means
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact that if your key is in the OFF position, but not locked,
your dealer in the area where you’ll beparking your there will be a smallcurrent drain on your battery which
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that could discharge your battery over a periodof time. If
particular area. you have a needto leave your key in the ignition in the
OFF position for an extended period for any reason, it is
Automatic Transmission Operation recommended that you disconnect the batterycable from
the batteryto prevent discharging your battery.
/DI3121 1
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best
position to use when you start yourengine because your
vehicle can’t move easily.

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It is dangerous to get ouoft your vehicle if the If you cannot shiftout of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shiftlever and push theshift lever all the way into
shift leveris not fully inPARK (P)with the PARK (P) as you continue pressing the brake pedal.
Then move the shift leverinto the gear you want.See
parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. “Shifting Outof PARK (P)” later in this section.

Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is REVERSE (R):Use thisgear to back up.
running unlessyou have to. If you have left the
engine running, thevehicle can move suddenly. NOTICE:
You or others could be injuredT.o be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly Shifting intoREVERSE (R)while your vehicle is
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever toPARK (P). moving forward could damage your

See “Shifting IntoPARK (P)” in the Index.If transmission. Shift toREVERSE (R)only after
you’re pulling a trailer,see “Towing a Trailer” in
the Index. your vehicle is stopped.

Ensure the shift lever is fully iPnARK (P) before To rock your vehicle back anfdorth to get out of snow,
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a ice or sand without damagingyour transmission, see
brake-transmission shift interlock. With the ignition in “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.
the RUN position, you must fullaypply your regular
brakes before youcan shift from PARK (P). NEUTRAL (N): In this position, yourengine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

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I A CAUTION: Going about 35 mph (55 k m h ) or more, push the
accelerator all the waydown.
Shifting out oPf ARK (P) orNEUTRAL (N)while
You’ll shift down to the nextgear and have more power.
your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the You should use DRIVE (D) (or, as you need to, a lower
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very gear) when towinga trailer to minimize heatbuild-up
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or and extend the lifeof your transmission.
objects. Don’t shifotut of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engineis racing. THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal
driving, however, itoffers more power and lowerfuel
NOTICE: economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3)
when carrying a heavy load or driving on steep hills.
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty. lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you mountain roads, but then you wouldalso want to use
need more power for passing, and you’re: your brakes off andon. If you manually select
SECOND (2), the transmission willdrive in
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your SECOND (2). You may use this feature for reducing
accelerator pedal about halfwaydown. torque to the rear wheels when you are trying to start
your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
(but 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(1), the transmission
won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going
slowly enough.

NOTICE:

If your rearwheels can’t rotate, don’t try to To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
drive. This might happeinf you are stuckin very pedal down. Pull the handle, locatedjust above the
deep sand or mud or are up againsostlida parking brake pedal, markedBRAKE RELEASE to
object. You could damage your transmission. release the parking brake.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there withonly the accelerator If the ignition is on when the parking brakisereleased,
pedal. This could overheat and damage the the brake system warning light wilglo off.
transmission. Use your brakes or shift into
PARK (P) to holdyour vehicle in positionon
a hill.

Parking Brake

To set the parking brake, holdthe regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake
pedal with your leftfoot.

I f the ignition ison, the brake system warning light will
come on.

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NOTICE: It can be dangerous to get oofuytour vehicle if
the shift leveris not fully inPARK (P) with the
Driving with the parking brake on cacanuse your parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. If
rear brakes tooverheat. You may have to replace
them, and you could also damage other partosf you have left the engine running, thveehicle can
your vehicle. Always check to be sure your parking move suddenly.You or others couldbe injured.
brake is fully released before you drive. To be sure youvr ehicle won’t move, even when
you’re on fairlylevel ground, use the steps that
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, follow. If you’re pulling a trailer,see “Towing a
see “Towing a Trailer”in the Index. That section shows Trailer” in the Index.
what to dofirst to keep the trailer from moving.

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your rightfoot and
set the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this: r

0 Pull the lever toward you. 0 Move the lever up as far as it will go.

3. Move the ignition key to LOCK.

4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition keyin your
hand, your vehicle isin PARK (P).

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Torque Lock
Engine Running
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
I A CAUTION: transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle mayput too much force on the parking pawl in
It can be dangerous to leave yvoeuhricle withthe the transmission. You may findit difficult to pull the
engine running.Your vehicle could move shift lever out ofPARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
suddenly if the shift leveris not fullyin PARK (P) To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake andthen
with the parking brake firmsleyt. And, if you shift into PARK (P) properlybefore you leave the
leave thevehicle withthe engine running, it could driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into
overheat andeven catch fire. You or others could PARK (P)”in the Index.
be injured.Don’t leave yourvehicle withthe
engine running unlessyou have to. When you are ready to drive, move the shiftlever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.

If torque lock does occur, you may needto have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to takesome of the
pressure from the parking pawlin the transmission, so
you can pull the shiftlever out of PARK (P).

Shifting Out of PARK (P) If you ever hold the brake pedal down bsuttill can’t
shift out of PARK (P), trythis:
Your vehicle has a brake-transmission shift interlock
system. You have to fullyapplyyouregulabr rakes 1. Turn the key to OFF.
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is 2, Apply and hold the brake untihle end of Step 4.
in RUN. See “Automatic Transmission”in the Index.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up 4. Start the vehicle and thenshift to thedrive gear
into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then, you want.
move theshift lever into the gear you want.
5 . Have the brake-transmission shift interlock system
fixed as soon asyou can.

2-28

1 Engine Exhaust

Parking er Things That Bu--I

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust Engine exhaust cankill. It contains the gas
parts under youvr ehicle and ignite. Don’t park carbon monoxide(CO), which you can’t seeor
Over papers, leaves, dry grass or other thingthsat smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
can burn. You might have exhausctoming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged ina collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the roador over road debris.
Repairs weren’t done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive itonly with allthe windows downto
blow out anyCO; and
Have yourvehicle fixed immediately.

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