Page 350 of 497

5-24
Follow these instructions to lower the spare tire:
1. If the vehicle is equipped with a hoist lock, open the
spare tire lock cover on the bumper and use the
ignition key to remove the lock.
2. Assemble the wheel wrench and the two jack handle
extensions as shown. Insert the hoist end (open end)
of the extension through the hole in the rear bumper.
Be sure the hoist end of the extension connects into
the hoist shaft.
3. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower
the spare tire to the ground. Continue to turn the
wheel wrench until the spare tire can be pulled out
from under the vehicle. The wheel wrench has a
hook that allows you to pull the hoist cable towards
you, to assist in reaching the spare tire.
4. When the tire has been lowered, tilt the retainer at
the end of the cable so it can be pulled up through
the wheel opening.
5. Put the spare tire near the flat tire.
The tools you'll be using include the bottle jack (A), the
wheel blocks (B), the jack handle (C), the jack handle
extensions (D), and the wheel wrench (E).
If the flat tire is on the rear of the vehicle, you'll need to
use both jack handle extensions.
Page 356 of 497
5-30
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When you change a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places
where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an
emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel
to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire
brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or
dirt off.
CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you
do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could
fall off, causing a serious accident.
6. After mounting the
spare, reinstall the
wheel nuts with the
rounded end of the
nuts toward the
wheel. Tighten
each wheel nut by
hand using the
wheel wrench until
the wheel is held
against the hub.
Page 361 of 497

5-35
Store the tire under the rear of the vehicle in the spare
tire carrier. To store the tire, do the following:
1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the
vehicle with the valve stem pointed downward
and to the rear.
2. Tilt the retainer downward and through the wheel
opening. Make sure that the retainer is fully seated
across the underside of the wheel.
3. Attach the wheel wrench and extensions together.
Insert the hoist end through the hole in the rear
bumper and into the hoist shaft.
4. Raise the tire part of the way upward. When the tire
is almost in the stored position, adjust the tire so that
the valve stem is toward the rear of the vehicle.
A. Hoist Assembly
B. Wheel Wrench
C. Extensions
D. Hoist ShaftE. Valve Stem,
Pointed Down
F. Flat or Spare Tire
G. Retainer
H. Hoist Cable
5. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the
vehicle. Continue turning the wheel wrench until the
tire is secure and the cable is tight. The spare tire
hoist cannot be overtightened.
Page 363 of 497

5-37
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If you have a
four
-wheel-drive vehicle, shift into 4HI. If your vehicle
has the Traction Assist System, you should turn it off
by pressing the TAS on/off button. Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear
(or with a manual transmission, between FIRST (1) or
SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels
as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning
your wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you
will cause a rocking motion that may free your vehicle.
If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may
need to be towed out. Or, you can use your recovery
hooks if your vehicle has them. If you do need to be
towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Page 365 of 497
5-39
CAUTION:
These hooks, when used, are under a lot of force.
Always pull the vehicle straight out. Never pull
on the hooks at a sideways angle. The hooks
could break off and you or others could be
injured from the chain or cable snapping back.
NOTICE:
Never use the recovery hooks to tow the vehicle.
Your vehicle could be damaged and it would not
be covered by warranty.
Page 380 of 497
6-15
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 mark 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
engine oil crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and
Specificationsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross
-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
8100 V8 Engine All Other Engines
Page 387 of 497

6-22
3. Remove the air filter by pulling downward on the
element. Remove the second portion of the air filter
by sliding it towards the rear of the vehicle and then
pulling downward.
4. Install the new filter by reversing the steps listed
previously. Be sure to follow any instructions that
may be included in the replacement filter package.
Because this procedure can be a little difficult,
you may choose to have it done at your dealer's
service department.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the passenger compartment air filter. See
ªScheduled Maintenanceº in the Index.Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Except Allison Transmission)
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle's GVWR is over 8,600 or
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If your vehicle's GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do not
use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change
the fluid and filter every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
Page 389 of 497
6-24
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The red transmission dipstick handle labeled
ªTRANS/LOCKº, or labeled with the graphic shown,
is located at the rear of the engine compartment, on the
passenger's side.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
further information on location.
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and
wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.