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A CAUTION:
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon
as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
Check Oil Light (If Equipped)
CHECK
OIL
If you have a 3 100 engine,
this light should come on
briefly when you start the
engine. If the light doesn’t
come on, have it repaired.
If the light comes on and stays on after starting your
vehicle, your engine oil level should be checked.
Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle
has been shut off for several minutes and is on a level
surface. Check the oil level on your dipstick and bring
Damage to your engine from neglected oil it to the proper level. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
NOTE: A false CHECK OIL light may be generated
when parking on steep grades.
The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during the brief period between key on and engine
crank.
It does not monitor engine oil level when the
engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is
only performed if the engine has been turned off for a
considerable period of time allowing the oil normally in
circulation to drain back into the oil pan.
NOTICE:
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2.4L (CODE T) Engine
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
E Brake Fluid Reservoir
G. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
H. Air Cleaner
1. Battery
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3100 (CODE M) Engine
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
I
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap D. Engine
Oil Dipstick
E. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick
F. Brake Fluid Reservoir
G. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
H. Air Cleaner
I. Battery
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Engine Oil
CHECK
OIL
If your vehicle is equipped
with the
3 100 engine, you
have a CHECK
OIL light
on the instrument panel.
If the CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see “Check
Oil
Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is an added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be
warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
2.4L Engine
The dipstick handle for the 2.4L engine is located
behind the engine.
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3100 Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick
for the
3 100 engine is located in front of the engine,
behind the fan.
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove
it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart of
oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind
of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications’’
in the Index.
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I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
3100 Engine
The 3 100 engine oil fill cap is located in front of the
engine, behind the fan.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
2.4L Engine
The 2.4L engine oil fill cap is located on the passenger’s
side
of the engine.
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck hnnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring
it to the proper level.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push
the dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL engine coolant.
This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or
150,000 miles
(240 000 km) whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL’ extended life coolant.
B
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than The following explains your cooling system and how
one pint
(0.5 L). Don’t oveflZZ. to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
I 3 the Index.
NOTICE: A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@
coolant will:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
Protect against rust and corrosion. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-III
a Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129 “C).
a Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Help keep the proper engine temperature. z
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
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Service Station Checkpoints
COOLANT
SURGE TANK 2.4L ENGINE
OIL DIPSTICK
FUEL
DOOR
/ P6-5
SECONDARY
WINDSHIELD FLUID TIRES
P6-36
RESERVOIR
BATTERY P6-26 P6-31
REMOTE FUEL DOOR P6-6
TRUNK RELEASE P2-10
For detailed information, refer to the page number listed, or see the Index in the back of the owner's manual.
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