ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend taking
fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of
driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of theCapacities and specificationschapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Maintenance and care
199
lubrication specifications ......220,
222
refill capacities ........................218
service points ..........................170
starting after a collision .........148
Engine oil ..................................171
checking and adding ..............171
dipstick ....................................171
filter, specifications ........173, 218
recommendations ...................173
refill capacities ........................218
specifications ..................220, 222
Exhaust fumes ..........................128
F
Fail safe cooling ........................180
Floor mats ...................................73
Fluid capacities .........................218
Foglamps .....................................17
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................135
Fuel ............................................194
calculating fuel economy .......199
cap ...........................................198
capacity ...................................218
choosing the right fuel ...........196
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................202
detergent in fuel .....................197
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................194, 198±199
filter, specifications ........198, 218
fuel pump shut-off switch .....148
gauge .........................................13
improving fuel economy ........199
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ...................196, 222quality ......................................197
running out of fuel .................197
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................194
Fuses ..................................150±151
G
Garage door opener ....................65
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............198
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................199
Gauges .........................................13
battery voltage gauge ...............15
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................13
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................15
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................139
calculating ...............................141
definition .................................139
driving with a heavy load ......139
location ....................................139
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................139
calculating .......................139, 141
definition .................................139
driving with a heavy load ......139
location ....................................139
H
Hazard flashers .........................148
Head restraints .....................90, 95
Index
240
