Page 9 of 264
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Panic Alarm
Engine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When
HotBattery
Avoid Smoking,
Flames, or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering
FluidMaintain Correct
Fluid LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger
Compartment Air
FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
Introduction
9
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GAUGES
Base instrument cluster gauges
Optional instrument cluster gauges
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the
temperature of the
engine coolant. At
normal operating
temperature, the needle remains within the normal
area (the area between the ªHº and ªCº). If it enters
the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the
engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
P! BRAKE
L C
EFH
LH
10 203020 406080100
120
140
160
180
405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
1204
5
6
7 3
2
1
H
THEFT
RPMX1000
FUEL DOORSELECT/RESET
LOW
FUELO/D
OFF AIR
BAGSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
MPH km/h
ABS
00000 00.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
P! BRAKE
0
00000 00
FH
H
102040608020 40608010 012 0 14 0
160
180
200
220
240
100
120
140
305070 90
110
13 0
1504
5
6
7
8 3
2
1
H
THEFT
RPMX1000
FUEL DOORSELECT/RESET
LOW
FUELO/D
OFF AIR
BAGSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
MPH km/h
ABS
.
L
LCHECK
FUEL
CAP
CH
Instrument Cluster
16
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Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot. Steam
and scalding liquid from a hot cooling system can
burn you badly.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine
coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at
its proper level the gauge indication will not be
accurate.
Engine oil pressure gauge
Indicates engine oil
pressure. At normal
operating temperature,
the needle will be in
the normal range (the area between the ªLº and
ªHº); if the needle goes below the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and
switch off the engine immediately. Check the oil
level. Add oil if needed (refer toEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter). If the oil
level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your
dealership or by a qualified technician.
Battery voltage gauge
Indicates battery
voltage. If the pointer
moves and stays
outside the normal
operating range (as indicated by the arrows), have
the vehicle's electrical system checked as soon as
possible.
LH
LH
Instrument Cluster
17
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3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and
the engine does not start in 15 seconds on the first
try, turn the key OFF and wait 10 seconds and try
again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
press the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and
hold. Turn the key to START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then
release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine
speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake
and release the parking brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant,
which improves starting, warms up the engine faster
and allows the heater-defroster system to respond
quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where
temperatures reach -23É C (-10É F) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater
for longer than three hours will not harm the engine,
so the heater can be plugged in the night before
starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your
heater with ungrounded electrical systems
or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is
present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
Driving
140
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²Refer to the chart on the coolant container
to ensure the coolant concentration in your
vehicle will provide adequate freeze
protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
²It is still necessary to maintain the coolant
concentration above 40%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration
below 40%.
²Decreased engine coolant concentrations
below 40% will decrease the corrosion
protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²Decreased engine coolant concentrations
below 40% will decrease the freeze
protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²Refer to the chart on the coolant container
to ensure the coolant concentration in your
vehicle will provide adequate protection at
the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates
should use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
distilled water for optimum cooling system and
engine protection.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in
an overfilled tank may cause leakage and
lead to fuel spray and fire.
Maintenance and Specifications
221
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CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONtAT F.
If your vehicle is
equipped with the
3.8L V6 engine,check
the power steering
fluid level with the
engine at normal
operating temperature.
1. Start the engine and
let it run until it
reaches normal
operating temperature
(the engine coolant
temperature gauge
indicator will be near
the center of the
normal area between H
and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be
within the FULL HOT range. Do not add fluid if the
level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. Be sure to put the cap back
on the reservoir.
FILL
HOT
Maintenance and Specifications
234
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low fuel warning
light .......................... 13
octane rating.. 225, 251
quality .................... 226
running out of fuel 226
safety information
relating to automotive
fuels ....................... 221
Fuses ................ 165±166
G
Gas cap
(see Fuel cap) ... 13, 224
Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) ........ 227
Gauges ....................... 16
battery voltage
gauge ....................... 17
engine coolant
temperature gauge... 16
engine oil pressure
gauge ....................... 17
fuel gauge ................ 18
odometer ................. 18
speedometer ........... 18
tachometer .............. 19
trip odometer .......... 19
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ........ 158
definition ............... 158
driving with a
heavy load ............. 158
location .................. 158
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ........ 158
calculating ............. 158
definition ............... 158
driving with a
heavy load ............. 158
location .................. 158H
Hazard flashers ....... 163
Head restraints ....... 104
Headlamps ................. 71
aiming ...................... 73
bulb specifications .. 75
daytime running
lights ........................ 71
flash to pass ............ 72
high beam ......... 10, 72
replacing bulbs ....... 76
turning on and off .. 71
warning chime ........ 15
Heating
heating and air
conditioning
system ..................... 67
Hood ........................ 203
I
Ignition ............. 136, 251
removing the key .. 157
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) ... 128
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ............ 233
Instrument panel
cleaning ................. 197
cluster .............. 10, 198
lighting up panel
and interior ............. 72
J
Jack .......................... 170
positioning ............. 170
storage ................... 170
Jump-starting your
vehicle ...................... 174
Index
261